What Have We Done?

Last Friday Nashville was 109º.  On Sunday it had dropped to 106º.  This afternoon our Vandy group will be flying into Raleigh, NC where it’s expected to be 96º with a 60% chance of thunderstorms.  Tomorrow they’ll head to Washington, D.C. where it’s expected to be 96º as well.  The heat has crippled the electricity grid where millions of people from Indiana to Washington, D.C. are without electricity and where officials hope to have it restored before the 4^th of July holiday.

In some parts of our country what we’ve done might be considered child abuse or child endangerment. Transporting young people from a safe environment where the temperatures are in the mid-60’s, where the sun warms the soul without torching the body and where they won’t have to worry about incurring the wrath of Evil Don just because there’s no electricity for their blogging--all of this could be viewed by the wrong kind of jury as a crime against humanity.

We could argue that we’re just building character but when the prosecutors show the jury photos of four piles of ashes that used to be our Vandy group, some of us are going to be toast and can expect to do some serious prison time.

Nonetheless, our Vandy group gathered in front of ECHS this morning well before civilized people rise from their slumber so they could go through the ILC departure ritual where their luggage was examined and weighed, they were given last minute travel and blogging instructions and they said their fond farewells to their loved ones.

As an added bonus, the airport shuttle arrived plenty early and the driver was quick to load the luggage and his passengers before heading for the airport.

I fear, though, that the confidence of some of the parents (as was mine) was tested when the shuttle headed north when the freeway to the airport was south.  I have confidence, however, that sooner or later he’ll find a freeway onramp that will head him in the right direction.

It’s off to Vanderbilt by way of Raleigh, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia where they will visit other universities to learn of alternative to the schools we have here in California.

Off to North Carolina

A few days ago I met up with students and parents for some dinner and to address any lingering questions and concerns about our Vanderbilt expedition. All of the parents seemed much at ease and very excited that all of the hard work their children have put into their academics (thus far) was about to come to fruition. The students, on the other hand, were full of nervous energy and even a bit of anxiety. There was some mention of sleeplessness and strange dreams, as well as vibrant discussions about expectations and minor concerns. I have been so busy with a variety of responsibilities this summer that I hadn't given too much thought to our quickly arriving departure date. Well, thanks to the energy and excitement emanating from these students and their families, I am wound like a top and ready to roll!

I have made a number of trips through the South but have never been able to spend a great deal of time exploring. I am looking forward to experiencing the culture, meeting the people, visiting the sites, and learning the histories of North Carolina and Tennessee. These are areas of this country with complex story lines and legacies, and I have a great deal to learn, reflect, and process. After all, I may be a teacher, but I am a student for life. While much has been made about the recent weather in Raleigh, DC, Philadelphia, and Nashville, I am looking forward to the onset of enveloping heat and the sweet smell of rain that precedes a summer thunderstorm. 

One of the rewards of teaching is getting to see learning happen in the moment. This adventure is going to set off a chain reaction of epiphanies and connection making moments that is going to place these students far beyond their peers. I am simply amazed at the fact that students from the West Contra Costa County School District are presented with such an opportunity. Narges, Yessenia, Chris, and Hannah have already demonstrated to me that they have earned this privilege, and I am anticipating endless examples of learning and achievement.

Finally, in case you didn't know, I am a music nerd at heart. I searched for songs about our first stop (Raleigh, North Carolina) and found this bluegrass number. Enjoy.

And Now We Begin

Tomorrow morning, I will already be departing Oakland International Airport for the East Coast! All I can say is that I'm ecstatic as I wait for my adventure to begin. It seems that if I were writing this blog post a week ago, I would say each day is going by slower and slower—that I couldn't wait to leave the Bay Area. However, now that the weekend is here, it's as if hours are turning into minutes, and minutes are turning into seconds. Well, I guess I still can't wait to leave, but this trip is, indeed, coming much faster now.

I only wish that I could've spent more time with my friends before this trip. If this were last summer, or any of the summers before this one, I would feel differently. Not to boast, but it really does feel like my circle of friends has grown—options of doing something and who to pass time with almost seem endless this summer. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to spend time with some of them yet, and it's making me feel a little discouraged. You see, when I come back (July 28th), school will be pretty much starting up again. For example, School Registration will begin soon for everyone, along with band camp for myself. It seems this only means I just have to make every day count this summer. It is, well, my last summer of high school. Man, I can't believe I'm already a Senior.

I know the first few days are going to be a little crazy. Monday morning, the "team" and I will have to wake up just a little earlier than usual, congregating at El Cerrito High School before 3:45 AM! This week I've been trying to sleep and wake up a little earlier, so hopefully it will have paid off.

Departing the airport just after 7 AM, we'll be off to our first stop, Durham, North Carolina. There, we will visit our first college, Duke University. This university, in particular, is the one that I'm the most excited for. There's just something at Duke that I have a feeling will really spark my interest. Not only are they an academically prestigious school, but—like Vanderbilt—they have some of the best sports teams in the nation. In particular, their basketball team is exceptionally good, and basketball happens to be one of my favorite sports. If the sports are good, the school definitely has a lot of spirit. If the academics are good, then I'll definitely succeed in whatever I choose to do in life (not really sure yet). So, all-in-all, I'm guessing Duke would be a great college environment. This is not to mention, I love their color—blue. It seems I'll just have to wait until Monday and Tuesday to find out how much I'll really like this school. I am, however, pretty sure the other schools—Georgetown, UPenn, and of course Vanderbilt—will interest me as well.

I'm very excited for my course, Lived Religion: Abrahamic Faiths, where I will study the three monotheistic religions of the world. And I'm even more happy that someone I know, Hannah, will be taking this course, too—not that I need anyone I know in the class, but it's just nice that there is. I consider myself an open-minded Christian, and I know this course will help me discover new things about my faith. Not only will this course help me personally, it will also me help to expand my knowledge of the world, since religion plays a major role in the way many people live (even the way they're governed). I never even entered a mosque before, so I'm very excited to experience it. By the end of this course, I know I will have learned tons of new information about these three religions (for I know very little, except for Christianity). I'll just have to see what's in store!

I checked the weather forecast recently, and it's said to be 90's the whole week in every city we'll be going to. It also said there will be isolated and scattered thunder storms. In lovely Pinole, CA, it's only 60's and breezy—just the weather to prepare me for the other side of the country, right? Well ready or not for this weather, it will certainly be a part of what this adventure is all about.

I've never been away from family members for more than a week. Also, I haven't been in a plane for at least 5 years. I don't think these two things are of any issue—at all. This is the time for me to become independent and to experience what's out there. And my entire cohort, I can tell, is exuberant about our trip, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead for us the next four weeks!

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!