A Transformational Journey: Loara Saxons at UC Santa Barbara

Last week, sixteen of our bright and ambitious 10th-grade Saxons embarked on an unforgettable three-day, two-night adventure at UC Santa Barbara. For many, this wasn’t just their first overnight field trip—it was their first time stepping beyond the borders of Orange County. These students earned their spots through compelling essays, outstanding GPAs, and overall academic excellence.

Going into the trip, they expected the usual college visit—campus tours, information sessions on majors, tuition costs, and university life. What they didn’t anticipate was something far greater: a journey of self-discovery. They explored their strengths, connected with students from different schools, discovered their Ikigai (the Japanese concept of aligning passion, skills, and values with the needs of the world), and worked on their UC application Personal Insight Questions.

Day One: A New Adventure Begins

Loara students, alongside peers from Katella and Anaheim, traveled by bus to Santa Barbara, where they kicked things off with a lively Get-to-Know-You bingo session. After lunch, they walked to UC Santa Barbara and stepped into what would be their classroom for the next three days. Here, they met their instructors, Jason Collar from South Junior High and Ruth Park from Cambridge. Many were surprised—“Wait, we’re going to be in school during Spring Break?”

Following their classroom session, students toured the scenic campus, strolling past a peaceful lake on their way to the beach. That evening, after enjoying some delicious Mexican food, they settled into a charming and quiet hotel, meeting their roommates and reflecting on the exciting journey ahead.

Day Two: Exploring the Power of AI and Personal Branding

The morning began with an insightful lesson on utilizing Skrappy, Ekadence’s AI chatbot, as a writing tool

. Initially, students admitted to using AI tools like ChatGPT as a shortcut for assignments. However, through this session, they gained a new perspective, realizing that 

AI isn’t just about convenience; it’s a powerful guide for refining and improving their work.

Later, students teamed up for an engaging Personal Branding Project, crafting unique presentations that showcased their skills, aspirations, and personal stories.

Day Three: Presentations and Powerful Reflections

On the final day, students proudly presented their capstone projects, sharing insights gained throughout the trip. One of our own, Daisy Segovia, reflected on her experience. Although she had been on college visits before, this one was different—it wasn’t just about admissions requirements. She walked away with a deeper understanding of herself, her compatibility with UCSB, and the vibrant culture of Santa Barbara.

A New Vision for College Visits

This trip reaffirmed something crucial: college visits should be more than just tours and statistics. For GEAR UP, we want students to explore who they are before choosing where to go. With this newfound perspective, we aim to reshape our college visit experiences into something more transformative and personal.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to our incredible students. This was GEAR UP’s first overnight trip with the Class of 2027, and it was nothing short of a success. 

Class of 2027, you made this experience unforgettable. 

Here are the wonderful students who attended (ask them about the experience!) 

• Alexis Gulmatico
• Javier Aguirre-Anaya
• Nghi Nguyen
• Sambreen Awal
• Eileen Apaez
• Adriana Morales
• Rechelleann Gabriel
• Emmanuel Rodriguez
• Sophia Marquez
• America Juache
• Milly Myrick
• Audriana Brantley
• Santiago Manzo Grimaldo
• Daisy Segovia
• Jesus Soriano

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Watch Alexis Gulmatico’s