Freedom

When I was younger, I was pretty satisfied with my life. I didn’t dwell too much on thoughts of other places, and I was very comfortable at home. It wasn’t until I entered high school and developed a curiosity about the world that I realized how much I wanted to see and learn and do. I dreamed for an adventurous life, filled with fun, laughter and the joy of achieving high goals. However, as I grew older I realized that my life had revolved around doing what my family wanted me to do rather than me doing the things I wanted to do. I wanted to make everyone proud and happy, but by doing that I was ignoring who I really am and making myself unhappy.

I fell in love with writing when I entered high school. I had always enjoyed writing, but when I was younger I mostly just made up stories and read them to myself. However, as a teenager I wrote to alleviate my stress and ease my troubles. It was my outlet and my escape from the awkwardness of high school and adolescence. I knew from my freshman year that I wanted to pursue writing, but I knew my parents would nag at me to aim for a more "honorable" career. As a result, I am a year away from college and I still have no idea who I am or what I want to do with my life.

All these thoughts occurred to me as I was packing my suitcase. I realized that I am seventeen-years-old, a year away from college, and still an ignorant child unaware of how the world truly works. I have been protected and sheltered my entire life. Whenever I had a major problem, I got advice from my sisters or my parents. When I was sick, my mom would nurse me back to health. However, when I go to Vanderbilt I will be completely on my own. The thought is daunting and it made me feel alone, but it was also a relief in a way. This trip is more than just a school trip; it is an opportunity for me to grow and discover who I am. I know that I will come back a more informed young woman ready for college and ready to face the world.

Bags Are Packed, I'm Ready To Go!

The time has finally come! This past week, I have been running from store to store picking up things I need for this long awaited trip, but just one more night in my own bed here in California, then I'm off to spend the next four weeks on the other side of the country. I must tell you packing was kind of stressful, making sure everything fit properly and didn't pass the weight limit. I'm scared that by the end of the trip I won't be able to fit everything back in, but I'll worry about that later. On a brighter note, I am full of excitement and anticipation, and I am eager to explore new places and opportunities!

As I've made the most of the past few weeks, enjoying my summer with my friends and family here, they always asked me, "When are you leaving for college?" While I explain to them that it is a summer program through the Ivy League Connection, and I'm not gone for too long, they still say, "I'll miss you." I will surely miss them too, and I hope that I come back eager to share my unforgettable experiences with them.

My time spent on the East Coast will be the longest I will be away from my family. On the other hand, I hope to grow as an individual, as I live life as a college student. Learning to become independent is an important aspect of growing up, and the ILC is preparing me as I get a taste of college life. I hope to make lifelong connections with fellow peers and also college admission officers that will be an advantage as I fulfill my dreams and aspirations. I hope to grow a deeper understanding of the three most practiced faiths, as I study Lived Religions: The Abrahamic Faiths at Vanderbilt University.

With many hopes at hand, I'm excited to represent the WCCUSD and my school, as an Ivy League Connection ambassador. I'm not really looking forward to the super hot weather, but I know my experiences will totally beat the heat! From fancy dinners, college tours, and even our 4th of July spent in Washington, D.C., I am looking forward to a summer full of new discoveries, new friends, and a renewed mindset of the world around me!

Up next, I'll give you my greetings from Duke University in North Carolina!

Nashville, Here I Come!

As I sit in my room, looking into my nearly-filled suitcase, a flood of happiness runs through me. I can’t believe I will be out of California in just a few days! I haven’t been out of state in a while and I don’t remember the last time I actually did. To add to that, I have never been away from my family for more than five days, and although that was back in 6^th grade, I am pretty wimpy for feeling a slight pang of homesickness by the fifth day. Even if I do feel homesick, I’m sure I’ll have too much fun in Nashville to even notice it.

Anyway, the time has come! The time has come to explore, to discover, and to learn. The past couple of months have prepared me for this moment and I know that I am ready for it. I can also tell that the other teens attending Vanderbilt this summer are ready as well, since many of them post non-stop about their excitement on the VSA Facebook page. They are such an enthusiastic group of people and I am thrilled to meet them very soon.

In preparations for my trip, I have been running to several stores, doing AP summer assignments, and packing; or at least planning what I want to pack. Since the temperatures on the east coast have reached records over 100 degrees with humidity, I need to have plenty of clothes handy since sweat will probably be a constant companion of mine. Luckily, Vanderbilt dorms have AC (THANK GOD), so it shouldn’t be too bad – while I’m inside. Either way, I don’t think anything can prepare me for the excruciating weather ahead.

Nonetheless, I am thrilled to partake in all the activities we will be doing before we go to Vanderbilt; from our dinner with Duke Alumni to the tour in Georgetown to our amazing 4^th of July, roaming around Washington D.C., I can honestly say this summer is going to be one astounding journey.

So all I have left to say is: Nashville, here I come!

The Final Step As Adventure Awaits

The Ivy League Connection's final milestone event before our departure to the east coast and Vanderbilt finally came! The ILC congregated at the new, fully remodeled Pinole Middle School. While I was in the 8th grade at this middle school, the school was only half reconvened, but coming to this orientation has shown me how much the school has changed. It was beautiful, and to be honest, it looked way better than what Pinole Valley High School looks like today. I felt very nostalgic--having not visited this school for at least one or two years. It made me miss the old middle school days, when things were a bit easier (although not a lot easier because that age for everyone, in my opinion, is pretty frustrating and one of the worst). But it also made me realize that college is coming up just in a year for me, and by this time next year, I will know what college I'm going to! I guess I'll have that same nostalgic feeling when I visit PVHS again, as I did when I visited here.

But enough of the nostalgia. Most of the time at this event, each program was given an itinerary and practically everything the ILCers and the chaperones will do (other than at the school). I was stunned to see just how much effort, organization, and preparation the ILC administrators have put in to our trip. No wonder this is the only program of its kind in the nation. They nearly had everything we were going to do for the week before we start the program. I was also surprised, and of course excited, that we will first arrive at Duke in North Carolina, and then conveniently fly to D.C. to spend our time at the nation's capital for 4 nights. But what surprised me the most was the fact that I had a hotel room all to myself while on these college tours! I believe at D.C., we're staying in suites too, because I'm getting a king bed and a couch bed (you know--just in case I want to change up where I sleep for the four nights there). We also will visit UPenn by train, which I'm also excited for. It should be an amazing week before our program at Vanderbilt starts.

One important thing that I felt was brought up in this orientation was when Ms. Kronenberg mentioned that the ILC is not truly a reward for the students. Yes, the trip will be fun, and I will learn a lot, meet many new people, and visit new places, but there are strings attached to this "reward". The ILC ambassadors of the West Contra Costa Unified School District have a job. We must act like young adults, be on-time, be courteous, but most importantly, share all our experiences with everyone. We're the ones representing this district; to people, one person from an area really is seen as a reflection upon the entire community--and we must and will behave accordingly.

The surprising rewards and just simply, surprises, will never cease to stop so long as I am in this program it seems, and that's totally fine with me. In fact, I don't think the surprises will ever end even after this program is over. I already know, as the ILC administrators constantly tell the ambassadors this, that I'm going to be a new person, who sees society in a different way. And I can't wait any longer; adventure awaits!

Vanderbilt Bound

I realized tonight what had yet to hit me in the past six months; I am going to Vanderbilt University. Of course, I have known that I will be attending this prestigious university for some time now, but it never really hit me until tonight. 

This evening, my fellow ILC peers and I congregated at Pinole Middle School for the final milestone event of the program: the orientation. I felt nostalgic as I walked across the campus of my old middle school to the multipurpose room, which was where the meeting was to take place. I titled my head as far back as my neck allowed and stared at the newly renovated school. A smile found its way to my lips as memories of middle school days returned to me. It felt strange coming back. I had changed so much since I left this school, I had learned so much. 

" Hey, you have to sign in," my father said, snapping out of my reverie. He was staring down at a piece of paper with the word Vanderbilt printed in bold across the top of the page. We signed our names and entered the room. I lead my father to a seat at the front and began digging through my bag for my notebook. "Make sure you take good notes," my father whispered to me. We sat in silence for a while as we waited for the meeting to start.

The first few minutes of the meeting consisted of Don and Mr. Ramsey giving some announcements, followed by a brief introduction of the chaperones. I listened to each person speak as I scanned the handouts that were passed out. After all the speeches were through, we all headed into separate classrooms to meet with our cohorts. Mr. Mannix, my chaperone, handed out some very detailed documents containing all our travel information. We discussed our plans for our trip; where we are going, what we plan to do at the cities we stop in, who we are to have dinner with, etc. Before I knew it, we were all called back into the multipurpose room for a few final words until the orientation was over. 

I left the orientation feeling more informed about my trip. I feel more comfortable now that I know the details of the trip. The final step is done, and I am now one step closer to Vanderbilt. 

On My Way To Vanderbilt

These past couple of weeks has been an incredible journey for me, and now that my trip back east is coming ever closer, I find myself becoming more and more excited by the day. 

This evening, I went to my former school, Pinole Middle, for the final ILC event before we leave for Vanderbilt: the orientation. The orientation was replete with a whole lot of helpful information regarding our departure times, and even items to take in our luggage. Even though there are many things we need to take on our trip, Don is there to help us out by loaning some of these items out. I am extremely grateful for this because I certainly do not want to go buy all of these items myself. Don really goes out of his way to help us all, and I cannot give enough thanks for his part in the ILC.

This orientation also reminded me how important we are to our district. In fact, WE are the sole representatives of our community and we must set a high example for everyone to see. When we go to Nashville, we will be meeting not only kids from across the United States, but also the whole world. This is great for me because I am a naturally inquisitive person, and will probably ask a whole lot of questions about these foreigners, whether they are from the U.S. or not. 

Madeline Kronenberg also reminded all of us of how important our part is when we come back. This is not only supposed to benefit you, but also everyone else in your community. This scholarship is not like any ordinary scholarship as well. It is not just a prize; it is a job, a job that must be carried out with hard work, diligence, and ambition. As Ms. Kronenberg said, “Take this opportunity and remember that it is also for the 25,000 people that did not get to go.” In the end, the ILC is all about how we represent and give back to our community, with as much spirit you can possibly give. 

After these couple of speeches, we all went to a room with our respective cohorts. There, the Vandy chaperone, Mr. Mannix gave us a plan of the 3 weeks of our trip. As I was reading the schedule, I realized how crazy it was, I mean we have a dinner the night we arrive! Still, that is exactly what makes our trip so exciting; we will never have a dull moment of doing nothing. We will always be planning, working, and having fun. 

Speaking of fun, we also have a “day off” on July 4, in Washington D.C, where we can spend the day doing whatever we want. I can’t wait to see the astounding fireworks in the birthplace of America. I know this day will be one of the most unique. As we were talking about the Washington D.C., all of us joked about seeing the President of the United States there, since he might be in the area for the celebration. I personally think that talking to him can be an incredible opportunity not only for us, but also for the ILC because we can get the chance to tell him about us and this exceptional program. This is of course, wishful thinking, however it does not mean it is totally impossible. 

By the end of the orientation I was feeling happier than ever. In a matter of weeks, I will be on my way to a whole new place. A place where I can learn about myself and my potential. Our real journey has begun and it is time to take off those training wheels and set us all free. This is our time, and we need to make the most of it. Thank you Mr. Ramsey, Don, Ms. Kronenberg, and chaperones for guiding us every step of the way. I know we will make you proud. 

Last Milestone Event, The Milestone Journey Begins

Wow! All of us ILCers are almost on our way back East! Tonight, we all attended our last milestone event, the ILC Orientation. I once again arrived early, because punctuality is key in being part of the Ivy League Connection. Mr.Ramsey and Don couldn't stress enough how important being on time is, because back East no train or plane will wait for us. Ms.Kronenberg stressed the fact that we can still be taken out from this exceptional program, and that we all earned our right to be here. As the Ivy League Connection program supports us, we must support them. This trip is not like any other scholarship, it comes with strings attached. It is each of our duty to represent our schools, our towns, and most definitely our district, as we meet new people, particularly admissions officers. It's interesting to know that the first thing admission counselors do, is Google our names. The first thing that will pop up is our Ivy League Connection blog leaving a lasting impression on them. Although I'm only a sophomore, my first step for college has already begun. It's an overwhelming feeling to know that the ILC cares about the future leaders and ambassadors of this world.

This program is giving their full support for us even towards the small, but important parts of our trip. I am very thankful for Don for giving us an opportunity to borrow loaner items. This is a huge load of help to many families, so we don't have to spend a lot of money for the things we need. From bed sheets to a laptop security cable, Don has it! The Ivy League Connection is preparing us for this trip very well, and I am so grateful for that.

Additionally, I obtained a lot of information as we broke off into our respective groups by the school we are attending this summer. Let me not forget to mention the beautiful new campus our orientation was held at, Pinole Middle School. I got a chance to use the first new building in seventh grade, but this newer building is also very nice. My cohort, our parents, and of course our chaperone, Mr.Mannix, gathered in a classroom and discussed our itineraries back East. As I skimmed over the large stapled packet of all our plane, train, and hotel information, I grew more and more excited. It was a relief that we don't have to wake up super early for our first flight to North Carolina, but to get up around 3 in the morning is still pretty early. I am very impressed on how organized the ILC program is, giving us each and every detail for our transportation and hotel reservations. It also lifts a burden off our parent's shoulders, knowing that we are put in safe hands. On top of the very important packet, our chaperone gave us an itinerary for the places we will be going, and things will be doing on the East Coast. Our very hectic schedule is packed with college tours of Duke University, Georgetown University, and University of Pennsylvania, an amazing fourth of July at Washington DC,  and even dinners with college admission officers and alumnus. Being the only cohort going to Duke University, Mr.Ramsey made sure that we will put a first good impression on the school, and hopefully start a relationship with them and the ILC. It is very exciting to see what has been planned for us, and just by looking at the itinerary, I know for sure, we will all have a blast.

This Ivy League Connection program is not only giving us the opportunity to explore the beautiful college campuses back East, study with a college professor, make connections with people who can put a great impact on our  futures, but also come back as a better person. Mr.Ramsey said to all of us, "You're opening doors, let's continue to make it happen." This program is not only impacting us, ILCers, but also the thousands upon thousands who don't get this opportunity. The ILC wants each one of us to come back as an active ambassador, so that all students know they have many opportunities set before them.

As I was talking to Yohanna Pepa, who is an ILC alumni, a rising junior at Yale University, and who will also be participating at the Yale Grand Strategies program this summer, she told me to, "Put a lot of effort in, because that's how much you'll get out." She reassured me that all ILCers got to this point, because we each deserved it, so we should make the most out of it and have fun. I must remember to go back East with an open mind to the different cultures and endless possibilities.

This orientation was just another reminder that we've made it! All of our hard work has been put in and we're almost there. With high expectations, new challenges, exciting plans, and  new places to explore, I know we'll have an unforgettable experience. One more month, then Yessenia Reyna, Chris Han, Narges Sahibzada, Mr.Mannix, and I are off to the East coast! Next up, packing!