Susie Istock
5 February 2007

Dorchester, February 5, 2007 – Nearly 150 girls, parents and guidance counselors attended FutureU on Saturday, February 3rd at UMass Boston as part of the third annual college exploration event for high school girls. Attendees participated in a series of workshops exploring different career opportunities in the fields of forensic science, architecture, public policy, personal training, pediatrics, law, international health, and human resources.

Keynote speaker Bennie Pratt Wiley, principal of The Wiley Group and Executive-In Residence at Babson College, offered the girls sage advice about defining success for themselves. “Think about what’s truly important to you before you get started. Prepare yourself to be successful, work on your skill set, surround yourself with a strong network of people, and be sure to have strategies to help you overcoming obstacles that you will encounter along the way. Most of all, reflect about what is truly important to you, and be true to yourself.”

In addition, Iliana Mickel from UMass Boston provided insight into the admissions process, Kathy Anderson of the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority discussed college financial aid assistance, and a panel of current UMass students and recent college grads provided the girls with a flavor of college life. “Pebbles” from radio station JAMN 94.5 helped close the day with some words about her own career before she handed out prizes, signed autographs and took pictures with attendees.

FutureU Partners: The Junior League of Boston graciously thanks partners, UMass Boston, MEFA and Glaceau Water for their support. In addition, the Junior League thanks all of the speakers.

ABOUT THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BOSTON

The Junior League of Boston is an organization of 1,200 women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information please visit our web site at www.jlboston.org.

The Junior League of Boston joins 293 Leagues across the world to form the Association of Junior Leagues International. These leagues have nearly 170,000 members in Canada, Mexico, The United Kingdom and The United States. Together, they represent one of the largest international volunteer organizations for women interested in making a positive impact in their communities. For more information, visit the web site www.ajli.org.