Mountaineer Expeditions
Mountaineer Expeditions is a campus visit program offered to our grant cohort to expose middle and high school students to college and campus life. Activities often include academic sessions with campus faculty and staff, interaction with current college students, tours of campus highlights, student resources, and other enrichment sessions to help students envision the possibility of college and other postsecondary pathways in their future.
The Mountaineer Expedition program is facilitated by a wonderful group of GEAR UP Guides made up of App State students. Learn a little about our current guides below and the one piece of advice each would give to high school students considering postsecondary options.
Emma Carmona
Hometown: Knightdale, North Carolina
Major: Child Development
“I would tell students that sometimes plans don't always work. Life gets in the way sometimes, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Setbacks and detours are a part of life, but it's up to you to make sure they don't derail your life. Your journey post-graduation is unique to you, and you'll always find your way.”
Amari Mealy
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
Major: Middle Grades Education with a Concentration in Math and Science
“Be willing to explore all of the possibilities and opportunities that are provided to you. When first considering options, lots of students have a preconceived idea of how things are supposed to be or what their postsecondary life should look like. However, sometimes your best fit may come later or be unexpected, so keep your eyes open!”
Braidyn Pike
Hometown: Sanford, North Carolina
Major: English Education
“Listen to your gut.”
Laura Tellez-Elias
Hometown: Boone, North Carolina
Major: English
“Take as many tours as you can to know school options and know how you feel at those schools.”
Antonio Turazzo
Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
Major: Psychology
“Choose and do what you feel drawn to and make that decision entirely yours.”