ESU Upward Bound Student Finds New Career Calling in Return to Campus

As a sophomore at East Stroudsburg University, Jillian Antalosky is on the path to a new and exciting career direction at the campus they were first introduced to in middle school as a member of the Upward Bound program.

Upward Bound is a federal academic support program that prepares underserved high school students for college success. One of the original TRIO programs founded through the Educational Opportunity Act of 1964, it has been offered at East Stroudsburg University since 1974 and currently recruits schools in Monroe and Lehigh counties.

Antalosky, who attended East Stroudsburg South High School at the time, was first approached about Upward Bound by their school administrators in 8^th grade and felt it would be a good opportunity to gain the tools to be successful after high school, especially as a first-generation college student.

"I had no one that I knew of in my family that could help me pursue the future I wanted for myself," Antalosky said. "TRIO bridged the gap and gave me the access to knowledge that I wouldn't have had otherwise."

At ESU, Upward Bound sessions are offered in the fall and summer. Summer sessions last six weeks and allow students to live in ESU's residence halls in addition to attending classes on campus, receiving tutoring and attending career workshops focused on college readiness.

Moreover, students like Antalosky are given opportunities to connect with other Upward Bound students. Encouraged by the director of the TRIO program at the time, Antalosky applied for the National Student Leadership Congress.

The event brings pre-college students from across the United States and U.S. territories together in Washington, D.C., to tackle solutions to societal issues. Antalosky met with lawmakers, collaborated with their peers, and explored the nation's capital's many historic museums and monuments.

"It's an experience I will never forget."

Antalosky loved the summer program so much, they participated throughout all four years of high school.

However, while they enjoyed the program's leadership opportunities and its glimpses into what managing a college courseload would feel like, it was another aspect of the Upward Bound that left a lasting mark.

"The biggest thing was how it affected me socially."

During those years in Upward Bound, Antalosky found their voice and identity - something they have carried with them to this day.

"I wouldn't have become the person that I am without TRIO."

Years later, Antalosky would find something else at ESU. Despite attending another university after high school, circumstances brought Antalosky back to ESU in fall 2025 as a transfer student.

Antalosky returned to ESU believing a therapy career was their calling but quickly became enamored with ESU's Art + Media + Design courses. Suddenly, a new career pursuit was in play.

"For years, I had wanted to be a therapist because a part of me believed that was my purpose, but I've discovered that my life isn't limited to one," Antalosky said. "Living my life is my purpose, and how I want to live my life is as a creative."

Antalosky is still deciding what specific aspect of creative arts to focus on at ESU but is confident this current path is the right one.

"Discovering my passion to create was the best thing that ESU has done for me so far. My advice: live the life you want to live."

Learn more about ESU's Upward Bound program.