Within a
person’s life, there are few events that can make a major impact. These events
can change you for the worst, or for the better. My time with the Ivy League
Connection has definitely been one of those events. And I can truly say I have
grown and changed for the better. From my first orientation at my high school,
Middle College High School, where they talked about the value of the Ivy League
Connection, I knew it was something I wanted to be apart of. Throughout my high
school career, I have heard the testimonies of all the previous ILC alumni who
have gone to my school and been through the program. As a freshman I couldn’t
wait until my opportunity to join. During my sophomore year the time came when
it was finally my chance to apply to this program. When Don came to my school
and spoke there were a lot of students who were also there to learn about the
program. I had always known that I would have to compete against many students
to get in, but I don’t think I ever realized just how competitive it would be
until that moment. For not only was I competing against the students at my
school, but also with students all over the district. I wrote my essays over
winter break and the whole time I couldn’t help but wonder who else was writing
their essays. Did they want this opportunity as badly as I did? On the fateful day when I received the email
confirming that I had been selected for the interview, I was overjoyed. My hard
work had actually paid off.
Going to the
interview I was a nervous wreck. If they asked me this question what should I
say? How should I hold my hands? How often do I smile? My whole interview
process was a blur. I felt like it was so quick and as I sat back down in the
holding room I was almost sure I hadn’t made it. But when we were all called
back into the room for the final verdict, I was thrilled to have heard my name.
This opportunity that had seemed so far off before was now just a couple of
months away for me.
When the
time finally came for my cohort and I to embark on this journey, so much
anticipation had built up that I was ready to explode. During our first week in
Providence, I felt that as a cohort, we were becoming inseparable. We got a
chance to tour 4 different colleges during that first week. We spoke to alumni,
students, and admission officers about their respective schools. We got an
opportunity that many people would die for. And during that time I learned so
much about colleges that I hadn’t known before. I learned what I truly wanted and didn’t want
in a school. It was a wonderful experience for me. After the first week of
growing so close to my cohort and chaperone, Mrs. Kaplan, it was time to head
to our final destination at Brown University.
At Brown, I
met so many people from literally all over the world. They were from all
different backgrounds, which made everything very interesting. Dorm life was
amazing but taking my Macroeconomics class was even more amazing. Within those
three weeks, I learned so much. My instructor was perfect in explaining all of
the topics and everyone in my class was genuinely interested in the topic,
which made the learning environment so much better. My experience on the East
Coast was with out a shadow of doubt one of the best things that has ever
happened to me. And I have the ILC to thank for that.
This trip
has helped me improve myself academically, socially, and personally. Academically,
I have learned many different study techniques and the value of study groups.
My cohort and I often met up to discuss the day’s topics and homework. These
sessions greatly benefited me and helped with learning the course material.
This is something I will definitely bring back to school as continue on with my
high school career. I also learned my strengths socially. I learned how easily
I could make friends. How at any moment I could find some one to eat a meal
with or just have a conversation with. The friends I’ve made aren’t just one-time
friends, they are life long companions. Personally I have grown so much as a
person through this experience. I feel so much more independent. From doing my
own laundry, to taking control of my own time management. These are skills that
will always benefit me.
There were
many “Ah ha” moments on this trip for me. One of them was touring Dartmouth and
Wesleyan. These two colleges really
helped me determined what I want in a university. Before being accepted to the
Ivy League Connection I, like so many others, only consider California schools.
But now after being shown the other side of the country and what’s out there my
eyes are now open to new possibilities. Another event that had a great impact
on me was meeting the great people at Summer@Brown who really made my
experience brighter. Lastly, the dinner at Mistral made a significant impact on
me. Meeting the students and a dean from Dartmouth had to be one of the most
amazing events. Dartmouth had already been one of my favorite colleges but
having this dinner really sealed the deal for me. I will definitely be applying
to Dartmouth when the time comes. I feel so blessed to have had my eyes open to
all the possibilities available to me.
The ILC has definitely
changed me for the better. I only wish everyone had an opportunity to go on
this journey like I did. That is why I feel that it is my duty to share with
anyone I encounter just how many options we have available to us besides
California schools. And how with a little exploration, a whole new world can be
opened to you. The bottom line is we all should be open and not limit
ourselves. If we get to know our own strengths and weaknesses, the world is our
oyster.
I am so grateful
for everyone who had a hand in allowing me to have this experience. So to Don,
Mrs. Kronenberg, Mr. Ramsey, and all of the sponsors who had a hand in the ILC
process, thank you. Thank you so much for being apart of one of the most
life-changing events in my life. Thank you to Mr. Crosby for being wonderful
our first week and to everyone on the East Coast who took the time out to come
and speak and inspire us. Thank you to my cohort who made my experience all the
more memorable. And thank you to the amazing Mrs. Kaplan who will always have a
place in my heart. I am so grateful to have gone through the program and
proudly say that I have changed for the better.
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