Page 6 - CHANGING Spring 2025

Instagram: @Bronx_Gear_Up
: @bronxGEARUP
Website: https://www.thebronxinstitute.org
VISCOSE ILLUSION/FLATIRON
Bringing Stories to Life
ea F nn nts ro t po u r Meet t the New York Public Library—an inspiring
experience that brought literature, identity,
and personal stories to life.
This year’s featured author was Saraciea J.
- m d e anthology Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed. A
passionate advocate for literacy, Saraciea lit
wit t
u sh o a a r t importance of amplifying marginalized voices,
he complex experiences around identity,
heritage, and resilience.
P hand, eager to meet Saraciea and get their
copies signed. The sessions buzzed with
and par ked tio into meaningful conversations.
Saraciea’s presence underscored what GEAR
UP aims to achieve: creating memorable,
eye-opening experiences that empower
students to think big and dream boldly. Her
s n f people can pursue when they’re encouraged
fi the sh reflections on how GEAR UP has shaped
ecall me summer program at Lehman College
enj h
a it acy
act Partnerships like the one between The Bronx
n
n ns nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and
giving students access to opportunities that
eir event is just one example of how GEAR UP
s inues to mode GEAR UP 7