Rising 9th Grader

January:            

ü  Applications complete

ü  Recommendations submitted

ü  Essays written

February:

Patiently waiting to see what my summer will bring me.

March:

It came.  I was accepted to Vanderbilt, Brown and EXPLO at Wellesley!  Seven weeks away from home…

My class at Vanderbilt was Agents of Change.  For two weeks we discovered how, as young citizens, we can become active in spreading awareness about causes we are passionate about.  We learned how to defend our position and the necessary skills to become active participants.  We researched our topics and formulated speeches defending our position.  We learned proper public speaking skills and received constructive feedback from our educators and peers.  It was engaging and as students we were central to the learning experience.  I was able to use this opportunity to develop skills that I am confident will help prepare me for high school and college.  Of course, we had fun too!  We had a carnival night and participated in a relay race (A house didn’t do so well…my seat fell off the tricycle).  What did I learn this year?  That I am passionate and I like public speaking.  I learned how to tailor my speeches to my audience and that “uhh” isn’t how to begin one.  Thank you VSA and Mr. English – I can’t wait to put my skills to use!

Brown University was a two week science program.  Designed and dedicated to junior high students with a focus on different areas of science.  I enrolled in DNA Science and Biotechnology.  We extracted and examined DNA.  I discovered what a PCR gel is and used for – and yes, I thought it was cool Mr. Stokes!  We manipulated and transformed bacterial DNA and tested different foods for GMOs.  We learned about the ethical and legal implications of biotechnology.  Once again, an  engaging program where, as students, we were central to the learning experience and our educators were our guides.  We were encouraged to participate in class discussions and to challenge our own findings.  And we had fun too!  Outside of class we spent time bonding together and learning from each other.  Roller skating, rock climbing, bowling (I scored a 9), touring the Boston museum of science and visiting a vaccine company were just some of the exciting things we did.  Two weeks was too short!

Explo at Wellesley was once again three weeks of fun and learning, and as a rising ninth grader we were the upper classmen on campus.  I wasn’t nervous, I was excited and couldn’t wait to see all the friends I made last year.  I took You Talkin’ to Me and Mansion Makeover.  My afternoons were spent playing volleyball, soccer and a course in philosophy and ethics. My favorite main events were color fest, water palooza and cruise night!  My favorite weekend was spent biking around Boston and visiting the USS Constitution Museum.  What did I learn this year?  How to construct a proper argument by skillfully and artfully organizing my words to defend my position.  I learned to question what I know and answers should lead you to more questions.  And that if your sleeping in your friends room on the last night, don’t laugh loud . . . you will get caught and sent back to your own room!

Once again I began my summer on a ride to Nashville and returned both confident and ready for high school.  What did I enjoy most?  Participating in programs where we were encouraged to embrace our passions, learn from our failures and to step beyond what is familiar and comfortable.  What did I learn?  That it is about taking what is possible and making it a reality.

If you never fail, you’re not taking enough risk.  And if you are not taking enough risk someone else will – Anonymous.