The Tutorial: One Step Closer To Vanderbilt

This morning I, along with many other Ivy League Connection ambassadors, some parents, and chaperones gathered at a computer room at Hercules High School for a tutorial session. Being one of the first ILC milestone events, I made sure I got up on time and got to the school early, just in case there was traffic, especially with the rainy weather, or if I got lost finding the classroom. I hate being late to things, so I arrived extra early, being the first one to get my school ID, CA ID, and medical card scanned. I anxiously sat quietly at one of the computers, with my flashdrive at the ready, and my water bottle, ready to get to work. As I sat patiently waiting for other students to arrive, I met with a fellow ILC member, Kelly Xi, and we got to know each other a little bit. I learned that she will be attending Brown this summer, studying DNA:Biotechnology.

Before I continue on about this tutorial, being my first time blogging, let me introduce myself, just like we did at the beginning of the session today. My name is Hannah Lee Pablo, and I am currently a sophomore at Pinole Valley High School. I am going to Vanderbilt University this summer, and will be studying Lived Religion: The Abrahamic Faiths.

As our departure date to the East Coast nears, we will be attending many ILC events.  Today's tutorial was just the beginning to our ILC journey. This session was very informational and was led by the exceptional photographer, Don Gosney. He began by stressing the importance of checking emails at least once a day. With 51 ILC members and chaperones this year, communication is really important. 

He then taught us how to do basic blogging, and the specific things we must follow. Towards the end of the session, we actually got to create a practice blog, using spell check, certain formatting, spacing, and even adding photos, and I find that it's not very difficult. I learned a lot about photography and PhotoShop. I hope to explore photography more as I begin to document the many wonderful experiences that lie ahead of me this summer. With Don's tips and tricks, from how to hold a camera when snapping a photo to red eye reduction, I really gained a lot of helpful information. One thing I will always remember when blogging is to proof my work. It's amazing to know that thousands of people all over the world will be reading my blog, from random strangers to the ILC sponsors, and even the college admissions officers. This is a very important aspect of blogging, because people will get to know us through these blogs, and it can set our reputation for our future endeavors. I was happy to hear that seven out of twenty ILC alumni, have just been accepted to Ivy League schools.

Aside from our Blogging 101 session, Don also discussed our responsibilities as ILC ambassadors, and the many things expected from us. From punctuality, proper attire, to public speaking, we were informed on the many tools we need to know, to succeed as an ILC member. Overall, this tutorial session was very beneficial, well structured, and organized. I learned a lot and I will be able to look back at the 34 pages of tutorial notes provided for us.

My cohort and I are one step closer to Vanderbilt. With many other events ahead of us, a few necessary loaner items from Don, and a luggage to pack, I am excited and eager to explore World Religions and the East Coast this summer. I even got to meet my chaperone today: Mr.Mannix, and I grew even more excited to spend my summer with him. He seems like a pretty cool person, and after talking to him, I find he will be a very helpful and resourceful person.

Vanderbilt, here I come!

Lastly, I would like to give a big thank you to everyone involved in the ILC for making this opportunity possible!