tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545122142607635252024-03-05T13:51:05.742-08:0012 ILC at COLUMBIAMadeline Kronenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00809038721402994691noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-28305252284867863462012-08-27T22:17:00.005-07:002012-08-27T22:17:39.446-07:00Brown Mentorship Program: Take 2! Before I participated in the Ivy League Connection this year, I was in it last year as well. I went to Brown University and took the course Women and Leadership. A month before I left the trip, my father invited me to be a part of the ILC Brown Mentorship Program, which pairs Brown alumni/current students with ILCers who are interested in Brown University. I was paired with Corryn Browdsky, who also attended my high school. Over the course of my junior year, Corryn and I exchanged many emails, and she was a great source of comfort when I was stressed out. She also gave me great advice about dealing with the rigors of school and preparing for the college application process. The mentor program has many fun events, as we went to a brunch at the Olympic Club, a Raiders Game, and saw <i>Billy Elliott</i> in San Francisco.<br />
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I was invited to come back to the mentor program and happily accepted. I am really excited to see new faces, as majority of the student members who were in it last year graduated from high school this spring. The newest addition to the mentor program is the Yale component! While I am still pairing with Brown, I am happy to see this mentorship program growing.<br />
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This Sunday, the first mentor event was held at the Olympic Club. My Uncle Ismail is a member of the club and was able to secure this event for us. We had a buffet brunch and got to reconnect not only with other ILCers, but with some old faces as well. I was really happy to see Elizabeth Gonzales and Donna Chung again, who just graduated from Brown this spring! Both of them attended El Cerrito High School. Elizabeth majored in sociology and is looking into UC Berkeley's graduate schools, and Donna majored in psychology and education. She is now pursuing a Master's degree at Stanford University.<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed the brunch. It was interesting to learn about how Brown is evolving as a campus. Donna mentioned that Brown is trying to make the freshmen more accustomed with each other, as they are trying to make freshmen-only residence halls and a possible freshmen quad. One concept I definitely remembered about Brown was there sense of unity.<br />
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Attending this brunch made me realize even more how my love for Brown really shines through. I have begun working on my college applications and hope that my new mentor can provide insight on my personal statement and supplements, especially for Brown University.<br />
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<br />Adrianne Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445321546760633865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-4198924676582480632012-08-26T17:45:00.002-07:002012-08-26T17:45:56.181-07:00A Negative Weekend Turns Positive, Thanks to the ILCMy weekend had been going horrible this week. I was so excited during the week because school started and I was familiarized with all my new challenging courses, and even more enthusiastic about receiving a letter in the mail saying that my application for the Junior States of America Northern California North Star Newspaper Editor in Chief position had been accepted! <i>I</i> was the new Editor in Chief of the paper I was so passionate about! I constantly wrote for the paper out of pure devotion, interest, and passion even though I did not have an "official" reporter position and despite the fact that I was already an editor in my school journalism committee. I just did it purely because it mattered to me. <i>Now,</i> I felt like, my passion had been discovered and I had been granted this position. Just saying I was ecstatic may be an understatement.<br />
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I later received an award in the mail, and I was also granted a special Junior States of America e-mail address especially for my position. I had incoming e-mails about future meetings, and an invitation to the cabinet confirmation event. It was difficult for me to attend the event since it was really far away from my house, but I still managed to go and meet my fellow cabinet members. There, I mingled, I chatted, and I met many of the people that were also on cabinet like myself. I introduced myself as the new "Editor in Chief" when we all shared our jobs on cabinet, and we later sat down with our appropriate departments to discuss plans and create goals for our specific duties on board. I sat with my new reporter and discussed a lot of duties I expected from her, created deadlines, made suggestions, and told her everything that was basically necessary to make a successful team and newspaper. LATER, they called each of us for an interview; I was one of the first to go. Just thinking of having an interview made me smile as I looked back at the time I had my first panel interview in the Ivy League Connection. I sighed in relieve because I felt like I was ready for an interview session since the ILC had already familiarized me with the process, and I realized that the confidence I had gained as part of the Ivy League Connection has really benefited me as a person.<br />
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It was odd to hear that we were being interviewed after the application process and being officially selected from the applicant pool, but I was still excited to meet the interviewers. I entered the room with a smile, and I was introduced to only a few set of questions that never really asked about my experiences, or my intended plans as the future Editor in Chief of the paper. The questions basically asked, "Will you be able to communicate with others? Will you be able to handle the stress? Will you be able to attend all of the events?" Of course, I referred back to my experiences to prove to them my success and capabilities in the areas they mentioned. The questions, however, did not ask for a lot of information about me and they were limited by time. They told me to turn around for them to discuss my confirmation and although I was not looking, I heard things like, "She's already doing a lot of extra-curricular activities." That was something they never asked me about, so I was shocked that they even said that. Now, before I even looked back, they told me they were then casting a vote. I murmured a prayer to myself, hoping they would confirm me, and drew a deep breath. They told me I could turn around within a minute and I did, only to hear that I had been...rejected.<br />
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I was shocked, and heart broken. I couldn't understand! My interview went so well, my application was accepted, I had the necessary experience, the leadership abilities, and the responsibility! I even sat with my reporter and led her through all my expectations and all her duties, they had congratulated me with this honor, how was I suddenly no longer their editor? They moderator pulled me out and apologized, but I couldn't help but to ask in the midst of my confusion, "May I at least ask why?" He replied "No, I cannot disclose that information, I'm sorry." I returned to my seat sad, confused, and broken. People came up to me mentioning how no one ever really gets rejected form Cabinet Confirmation, and I replied, "I just did." Similarly, people were shocked and confused as well because many of them knew me and my capabilities. Others in charge were equally confused and went to speak to the interviewers (the interviewers themselves were students like myself running the student bureaucracy). However, no one told me why, but they offered me other positions. I rejected thinking to myself that the reason why I applied wasn't because of the title or the "position," it was because of my passion and my care for the paper. I was not interested. So they asked, "Would you like to be a reporter?" I again thought about it, and I said, "Well, what I truly care about is the North Star, and that's the closest way I can contribute to what I care for. I was going to write for it anyway, so why not." I accepted the position and was re-interviewed and accepted, but I left that room hurt and broken. Later, my friend told me that the interviewers just thought my interview sounded, "too perfect" compared to the others, I was shocked! How can I be rejected because I sounded "too perfect?" I was only being 100% honest. Also, they just assumed I had a lot of things going on that I would be unable to handle the position (again without asking me about it). However, If I couldn't handle the position, I wouldn't apply. I knew I was highly capable and they knew that I was highly qualified. I was just stuck in a state of confusion, that's all. Also, on the other hand, other students were only asked one or two questions in the interviews and accepted, and others were just "lectured." The questions were more carefree because they were running out of time, and at a certain point they even thought about not interviewing a group and just accepting them! They even brought a whole departments in as a GROUP so they can get them over with and proceed on their agenda. The time factor also made the other interviews shorter as well; I found all of this completely unfair. The answers were not the same, they did not have previous questions designed, and the they were simply accepted <i>nearly</i> by default because of the time factor? Now, my first assignment as a reporter is to write about Cabinet Confirmation and according to my director, "write positive." That is something I cannot do: to be dishonest. My Saturday was unfair in terms of selection, and terrible in terms of my disappointment. In regards to my journalistic integrity, I cannot accept to do that: to lie.<br />
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So <b><u>today</u>, </b>I woke up still kind of sad about the day before. It was the Brown and Yale mentor dinner hosted by the Ivy League Connection that I had been looking forward to all week! However, I wasn't as happy in the morning as I should have been because I was still looking back at the opportunity I felt like I was stripped away from and the position I had so much passion in; all in an unfair and unjust manner. To be honest, that's all I really thought about when I was getting ready, repeating to myself in my head, "If they really thought I did not deserve it, I would accept their decision and respect it, but they never asked me questions to make such an inference. If the selection process was fair, I would feel better, but why was I the <i>only</i> one to be stripped of what I cared for? I was never even given a chance..." By the time I was eating a little breakfast snack, I decided what has happened is now my past, and I must let it go and think about the future. It was simply time to move on since what happened was now totally out of my hands. So I focused on the amazing opportunity the Ivy League Connection was giving me and I smiled.<br />
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The ILC had once again provided me with an opportunity to connect with very important alums within my community and learn about both their experiences and the universities the universities they attended.<br />
This morning, we all met at 10:00 AM at El Cerrito Plaza Bart and gathered around to speak to one another before departure. There, I was absolutely excited to see Adrianne Ramsey from my Columbia Cohort; I had missed her so dearly! We chatted a while before Don separated all of us into groups to carpool to the Olympics Club (that's where we were going to have our event). The Olympics, thanks to Mr.Izzy Ramsey, was going to sponsor our brunch!<br />
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My mother, whom was also invited, rode with me in Don's mini-van, along with Adrianne Ramsey, one Brown alum, and one sponsor. During the ride, Adrianne and I caught up and chatted since we hadn't seen each other in a few weeks. We talked about our courses, our plans, and our excitement to meet all the amazing college students later that day.<br />
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Since we were busy talking the whole time, it felt like a fairly short ride! Soon enough, we were finally at the beautiful Olympics Club in San Francisco. The scenery was gorgeous as we walked up the steps and inside the majestic building. There we were greeted with the alumnus and began engaging in very interesting conversations right after the "hello!" I had a great time right from the start!<br />
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While we mingled, Mr.Ramsey's brother gave each group an independent tour of the restaurant we were going to have brunch in as well as the history and importance of the Olympic Club. (Did you know the Olympics club is the oldest athletic club in the nation with the word "Olympics?" Not to mention, the oldest out of all of them as well.)<br />
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Later we were invited into our private room to sit down with our the alums we had just met. Parents sat at one table, alums sat together with us students, and other adults at another table. The tables were also split based on university. One table was strictly Yale, and the other was Brown. Sitting with the Yale alums, I had the opportunity to meet and converse with many different individuals from different backgrounds and interests. One was interested in teaching, the other in computer sciences, and the other in economics for example. We all shared our names and our interests as well and soon began very interesting conversations regarding academics, life in Yale, and a variation of other specific conversations that we all found equally helpful and engaging. I really enjoyed speaking to them and getting to know them, it was truly my pleasure.<br />
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After we were done eating our dish of pastries, scrambled eggs, sausages, and bacon, it was sadly time to say goodbye. During this time, Mr.Ramsey mentioned how on September 30th, he has arranged boxed seats for us and our mentors to attend an A's game in Oakland, creating yet another day for us to connect with one another and learn from each other. I was really excited to hear this because I really enjoyed and was thankful for the connections I had made today. I was glad I could stay in contact with them and found that very helpful in my application process.<br />
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By the end of the day, I felt like a weekend that I thought could not get better, turned out to be okay thanks to the fantastic day the ILC provided me with. Not only did I have fun, but I also engaged in a lot of very interesting and serious conversations that I know the knowledge I acquired throughout them will definitely help me in the future. For this, I would like to give a sincere "thank you" to the Ivy League Connection, and to the alums for attending this event and devoting their time to us. I really appreciate it all.Morvarid Mehdizadehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11651411189509618211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-37898237653907314482012-08-22T20:54:00.001-07:002012-08-22T20:58:06.781-07:00From the Mother of Aurea Riboroso
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGPFsO_TjWoM0GOz63HqBGac3i2mo0xagtW-8JygaxDmAfRuJx9AHPrsKWUNBDpj5hbDi4ve2rRXUJhWeQ4zwtneoaHfDxFK9blIaLJ9RQEWgv0KlBHJxDtZSJJF0f9O5RBPq8tt131I/s1600/Aurea+Riboroso+Headshot-1C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGPFsO_TjWoM0GOz63HqBGac3i2mo0xagtW-8JygaxDmAfRuJx9AHPrsKWUNBDpj5hbDi4ve2rRXUJhWeQ4zwtneoaHfDxFK9blIaLJ9RQEWgv0KlBHJxDtZSJJF0f9O5RBPq8tt131I/s320/Aurea+Riboroso+Headshot-1C.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;">First of all, I would like
to thank you all for your time, sacrifice and efforts to make this summer
program successful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;">I was shocked when my
daughter told me that she was going to Columbia University. It was so hard
because it was her first time being apart from her family for so long. But, she
explained to me that it was a great opportunity for her. I didn’t want to be a
hindrance to her dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;">Finally she got my
approval but I was still worried about her. When she left, I constantly checked
the ILC website to see her blogs: I was so amazed by all her adventures
explained in her blogs. It gave me a peace of mind to know she was doing well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;">I’m so proud of her. Her
growth in maturity and responsibility is astounding. I am very thankful for all
the people part of the Ivy League Connection. This is a tremendous program that
molds the students for a brighter future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;">I also want to thank Mrs.
Cheryl Lilhanand for a great job. I know it was a big responsibility to take
care of youths for about a month in such big city. I’m grateful that my
daughter was part of the ILC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;">Mrs. Carmelita Villa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Don Gosneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17110247579694408858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-57979516299979302892012-08-02T21:07:00.000-07:002017-09-06T16:05:33.032-07:00From the Mother of Morvarid Mehdizadeh<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1qHcbdtHgRrgWQoj_u9X3EQzRpVdMiyMRW53pgs3dnaaRQWVUo_CerGGBqWBEFBnDkAFiMDaXzxWN3blulQVDteUiyVY-GF4C7OtSnSvC40_KRxeLFkwv_gMj70AQEKR2KN5K3zLx00/s1600/Morvarid+in+Iran-1C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1qHcbdtHgRrgWQoj_u9X3EQzRpVdMiyMRW53pgs3dnaaRQWVUo_CerGGBqWBEFBnDkAFiMDaXzxWN3blulQVDteUiyVY-GF4C7OtSnSvC40_KRxeLFkwv_gMj70AQEKR2KN5K3zLx00/s320/Morvarid+in+Iran-1C.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My daughter came to me one day telling
me she wished to attend Columbia University over the summer and asked for my
approval to apply to a program that might allow her this opportunity. I was
jumbled with different thoughts, not sure exactly what to say in response. This
would be the first time my daughter would leave us and go some where far away without
us. I had mixed feelings because I was proud
of my daughter, her independent and confident attitude, and her willingness to
step outside her comfort zone and constantly challenge herself in all ways.
However, as a parent I was also scared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I began learning more about the
organization she told me about that day: “The Ivy League Connection.” I
realized how important it is to be a part of the organization and the
responsible, generous, and caring individuals behind the program. Slowly, I was
no longer the scared parent that was thinking about allowing her youngest
daughter to leave home for a month, but I was the supporting mother who
encouraged her and told her she could do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Around December, I watched as she
spent hours preparing essays to submit to the Ivy League Connection in hopes of
acceptance into the interview phase of the program. I even watched as she
screamed in excitement that she had only entered the interview portion of the
application. After witnessing her passion and tremendous amount of time and
care she put into the program from the start, I knew exactly how much this all
meant to her. Finally, all her work paid off and I was proud to witness my
daughter’s acceptance into the program of her choice; the Columbia University
Presidential Powers course. She was one of the only two individuals chosen for
the program and as her eyes sparkled in the room when she heard the news, as a parent
I couldn’t be any happier as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I do not know how to thank the people
that gave these opportunities to the students of our district enough to show
how thankful I am to each and every one of them. I am really thankful of the
people that provide these opportunities for bright students, like my own
daughter, to have such experiences. I’m really happy of the experience my
daughter had, to go to New York, to speak to students and alumni, to study at
Columbia University, and to enjoy the development of a deeper understanding for
different cultures in a different environment. Without this program, my
daughter would have never had an opportunity equal to that of what the ILC
provided. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My daughter was really happy about
this program and every aspect of her experience was like a dream come true for
her and it was the same for my family as well. After my daughter returned and
told me about the restaurants she visited, the people she spoke to, I felt like
I was actually there as she told me with excitement and enthusiasm. I felt just
as happy to hear about the stories, her class, and her challenging curriculum
as she was there to experience it. It was all a completely new experience for
her and the amount of things she learned within a month was astonishing. My
daughter grew both intellectually and as a person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Ivy League Connection provided an
opportunity for students to develop independent skills and confidence. As a
whole, this entire experience is very beneficial to our students, and I’m
really thankful for such an organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The chaperone, Mrs. L also played a
tremendous role as a part of the program. She was very patient and caring
towards the students. The first time I saw her she seemed like such a lovable
and caring person. I liked her a lot and I truly felt like my daughter was in
good hands. Knowing Mrs. L was the chaperone, I was no longer worried even
though this was the first time my daughter was going to be away from us.
Overall, I strongly recommend this organization to future parents and students
alike. Once again, there’s really no way for us to thank the caring sponsors,
Don Gosney, Mrs. L, Mr. Ramsey, and Mrs. Kronenberg for giving my daughter such
an opportunity and experience. My family is very thankful and we are all very
proud of the ILC students’ accomplishments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Maryam Yazdi</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Don Gosneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17110247579694408858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-54923391514173218072012-08-02T03:01:00.001-07:002012-08-02T21:11:28.241-07:00From the Parents of Leonard Eisen<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Parent’s
Words of Appreciation for the Ivy League Connection</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When our
son, Lenny, first began speaking about the Ivy League Connection, it was very
difficult to believe that the program he described actually existed. We had
lived through all the financial difficulties of our school district since Lenny’s
older sister, Sierra, started kindergarten in 1995 when we lived in Richmond.
We saw essential programs get cut and class sizes increase. When school-funding
bond issues were on the ballot, they could and would be defeated even with a
super-majority of 65% because of the two thirds majority required to pass. How
could such a program as ILC actually exist for West Contra Costa high school
students? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My wife,
Melissa, and I are strong believers in public school. We believe that social
and ethnic diversity is at the top of the list of characteristics that make a
school system a quality learning environment. That’s why we both chose to live
in the Bay Area. So, as programs in schools were cut, we’d supplement our kids’
education as well as we could. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don’t
think I was convinced that ILC actually existed even after Lenny was accepted
and I started reading emails from Don Gosney. I still wondered how such a
program as ILC could actually exist for our students?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I now know
it’s thanks to the awesome, tireless efforts of Charles Ramsey and Madeline
Kronenberg and the sponsors that they have been able to enlist in this terrific
program. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Don Gosney and Cheryl
Lilhanand. If it weren’t for Don and Cheryl, I might have had concerns about
sending Lenny to New York City, without us, for a month. I grew up and went to
college in New York City. I even drove a cab there. I know how easy it is to
get into serious trouble in New York. I’m a pretty strict and very observant
parent. I felt totally at ease all month because Cheryl was Lenny’s chaperone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Ivy
League Connection is the most amazing program. Imagine flying to New York on
Monday, touring and meeting with admissions officials and alumni at the
University of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, then visiting Sarah Lawrence College on
Wednesday, Vassar College on Thursday, Yale on Friday, touring New York City as
a group on Saturday, and then moving into the dorms on Sunday at Columbia
University for three weeks of classes in Constitutional Law!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And, of
course, there were all the cultural, culinary and entertainment extras! And all
of this paid in full by the very generous sponsors!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lenny, Melissa
and I are forever grateful to the Ivy League Connection and it’s wonderful
sponsors, who made this life-changing experience possible. Thank you!!!</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wayne Eisen</span></div>Don Gosneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17110247579694408858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-54626993578550371032012-07-26T05:07:00.005-07:002012-07-30T13:27:15.508-07:00A Step CloserWell, let me begin by telling you that it took me a day or two to start this blog, and another two days to write it. There was far too much to write about, and I had an extremely difficult time trying to figure out how to organize it. While I ended up doing it chronologically, it took me quite a while to figure out that that was the best way (yes, it would probably take most people about 5 seconds). My concern was that writing chronologically might end up leaving my blog with far too much plot summary, but I decided to just take that and run with it. Plot summary, reflection, and what it all means---it's all here. It's very long, so I ask for your patience if you choose to read it, but I had a lot to say and didn't want to leave anything out. Here is my Ivy League Connection experience:<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Joining the Ivy League Connection</u><br />
<br />
I never mentioned this to anybody, but my Ivy League Connection experience actually could have started during my sophomore year, over a year ago. I received a note in class that there was a meeting at lunch that I should attend, and I forget why, but I never attended the meeting. Back then I did not check my email quite as often as Don Gosney has trained me to do now, so if any follow-up emails were sent, I didn't receive them. Maybe I missed the meeting because I had friends to talk to, or a teacher to speak with, but I probably just forgot. <br />
<br />
At the time, I was still a very good student, getting A's, but I looked at my education through different eyes. I can't for the life of me tell you what on Earth I was thinking, forgetting to attend a meeting that could've gotten me an opportunity that high school students across the nation would dream of, but the purpose of education to me then was not so much to learn as to get good grades. My actions more than year ago remind me of the quote Don Gosney puts at the bottom of all the letters he sends; the quote read (something like): "When opportunity knocks, some answer the door, while others complain about the noise." I didn't really complain about the noise of this amazing opportunity, I'd say that by stuffing the note in my pocket, I just put some headphones on to ignore it.<br />
<br />
In hindsight, though, do the actions of the kid I just told you about sound like the actions of somebody deserving of this opportunity? I'd say I was academically smart enough, but I completely lacked the ambition and maturity necessary. I don't know when exactly things changed for me, but when the opportunity that was the Ivy League Connection knocked at my door again this year, I jumped up to answer as if I had been waiting for that knock for months. In a way, I had been waiting for it. <br />
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There were days this junior year when I loved school, when I was able to soak up information about
the things I love, such as hearing the stories of World War II survivors and
debating the numerous meanings of symbols in George Orwell’s <i>1984</i>. However, there were just as many days on which I felt that there was somewhere else
I could be, something else I could be doing, and a better way to use
precious time. When not absorbed by schoolwork, I spent most of my time
pursuing a personal interest in baseball and, more importantly, an interest I have in someday changing the world. Yes, I know that sounds extremely cliched; it's probably what 110% of kids will write on some of their college application essays. But I want to leave this world years from now knowing that it is very much changed from the world I entered, and that I played a major role in that. I aspire to someday take up a position of leadership to help carry the world in a more progressive direction.<em> </em>I have yet to determine whether I will advocate for much stronger power to the United Nations, an organization that attempts to achieve the goals of humanity as a whole (rather than an "America first, then we help everyone else" approach), or whether I will advocate for a more balanced distribution of wealth in a nation where some cannot afford health care while others can afford to pay for numerous multi-million dollar homes, but I know that my value in life is not in what I achieve but in what others can achieve through my helping hand. I have yet to determine how I'll do it, of course; I am only 16, but the set of goals I have is very clear to me.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I have a general idea of what I want to do in life. Understandably, sitting in class trying to understand how a hyperbola works (<strong>*</strong>), when I could be reading about the removal of Oakland Occupiers can get frustrating sometimes. I wanted to spend my time differently; I wanted the opportunity to pursue the aforementioned interests and goals to a much larger extent. And then opportunity knocked, and I leaped up to take advantage. I had expected to receive the note for the Ivy League Connection eventually, but the day I received it in Ms. Hebden's class was a very satisfying day. <br />
<br />
Anyway, THAT is why I joined the Ivy League Connection. I felt the opportunity provided by the Ivy League Connection would take me a step closer to someday reaching a position of leadership where I can help provide every member of this family of mankind with a stable and healthy life, and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. My Ivy League Connection far and away exceeded this experience.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">*</span></strong>I acknowledge the tremendous value of math, I just didn't always feel that it was directly tied with my life goals. This is not to discredit the value of math, though, math plays a tremendous role in our everyday lives</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Pre-Columbia University</u><br />
While the events leading up to my departure were not the meat of the experience, they undoubtedly had a strong effect on me, and for that reason, they are definitely worth mentioning.<br />
<br />
<strong>A. School Board Meeting</strong><br />
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The School Board meeting actually affected me in a completely different way than the organizers of the Ivy League Connection had probably planned. Of course, I was honored to walk up in front of hundreds of members of our school district, as well as the School Board, but it was a different part of the meeting that affected me. On this day, the issue concerning a large portion of the community was the
possible termination of adult education. While I had no prior knowledge of the
situation before hearing what many speakers said, and while I may have only
heard one side of the story, I was very moved by what some of the speakers said
in their defense of adult education. The vast majority did not speak English as a first language and simply wanted to
be able to help their kids with their homework. They said they felt powerless
and useless not being able to help their children with elementary school
homework simply because they had not developed English skills yet. <br />
<br />
Thankfully,
adult education was/is there for them, and it has been able to slowly combat
this problem.<br />
In a nation filled with immigrants from all corners of the world, adult education, I feel, is a necessity, plain and simple. Before this school board meeting, I had never given it much thought, but you can now count me as a supporter and an advocate of adult education. Of course, the reason for adult education's dire situation was/is not that it is not important, but that there is no money to pay for it. And that gets into an entirely different issue, why our country and our state don't have enough money to adequately educate our residents. I heard there were some billionaires living in this country, but they would rather buy multiple million-dollar homes and keep their money to themselves than pay higher taxes and help out those in need. If I someday have the power, I will put an end to that to the best of my ability.<br />
<br />
<strong>B. Alumni Dinners</strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqDXZGHnhZndRH39y3lnkdrZpKZG0Xlye9e5NdIAsfr-N3KmMMzmC7WmIN2qdLFQNeoyGp8y18vhrFTxuVCsUJrXZGoFfzunwyTbOoTC-M6POVbLNSsgMzTl7EBHiacX6X58o7di5Cg/s1600/425091_3225449969014_46782938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqDXZGHnhZndRH39y3lnkdrZpKZG0Xlye9e5NdIAsfr-N3KmMMzmC7WmIN2qdLFQNeoyGp8y18vhrFTxuVCsUJrXZGoFfzunwyTbOoTC-M6POVbLNSsgMzTl7EBHiacX6X58o7di5Cg/s400/425091_3225449969014_46782938_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>Once in San Francisco, and four times in New York, we went to dinner with alumni from some of the schools we may someday apply to. At these dinners, I was able to ask more personal and specific questions than I would ask on a tour, and in addition to us learning about the school, the alumni were able to learn about us and what we may be able to bring to these schools. We also discussed the college application process; I heard everything from students who got into Yale on early decision to students who applied to over 20 schools. In addition to all this, I have to say, the dinners were a lot of fun. Everyone we spoke with was very intellectual and many had a great sense of humor; the conversation was always going about what courses Columbia requires you to take (but why those courses are actually fun) to what I was planning on doing in life. <br />
<br />
<strong>C. College Visits</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably my favorite school of them all - Columbia University</td></tr>
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Of the schools we visited, the ones that appealed to me most were Columbia, Yale and UPenn. The fact that I like those more than NYU, Sarah Lawrence or Vassar has absolutely nothing to do with their distinction as members of the Ivy League; it has more to do with simple characteristics of those schools. For instance, I'm sure now that I will not apply to Vassar or Sarah Lawrence (as well as other similar schools) because I feel the community on and off campus is too small for me. The way I live life, I love to explore and discover new things every day, and in the sense that Vassar and Sarah Lawrence have student bodies of around 1,000-2,000 kids and are not located in very urban areas, they don't offer me the opportunity to walk around campus and see tons of faces I've never seen before, or walk off campus to explore a new part of the surrounding community in the way that a larger school in a more urban area may offer me that opportunity. Life at small, suburban (or rural) schools may become a bit repetitive, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
Additionally, while I have never had trouble making friends, I have had quite a bit of trouble in life finding people who are similar to me. Without discussing my entire philosophy of life (which can be a bit controversial at times), I'll just say that I think a bit differently than most people. At my current high school of 1300 students, I often find myself alone when it comes to issues such as why I feel accumulating great wealth is not a good thing, but a selfish thing. As a result, I'd like to attend a school where there are a greater number of students, and thus, a greater chance of finding more like-minded people. <br />
<br />
Also, I have a great interest in participating in my community, and I feel that in more urban areas, there are many more opportunities for me to do the work that I feel will achieve my goal of leaving a world that is better than the one I entered.<br />
<br />
Also very important to me are a very diverse and integrated community, as well as a strong international presence. I loved how active NYU was around the world, but what I didn't like about NYU was that its campus was too urban; I felt like I was not on a college campus but on city streets. <br />
Columbia, Penn and Yale all perfectly fit into what I am looking for in a college, though. Each of them are large enough that you'll meet new people wherever you go, but that you'll also probably see someone you know wherever you go. Each of the schools are in urban areas, with many things to see and many opportunities to help out the community. Each of them have very diverse student bodies, made up of students from different ethnic backgrounds, different parts of the world, different personalities and different economic situations. Moreover, the alumni and tour guides we spoke with went on and on about how much they loved their school; the schools seem to be not just amazing places to learn, but amazing places to live in as well.<br />
<br />
<strong>D. Cohort Trips</strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTGy4YxZ4JEJkSNAqpkcH_qzREKzIXuokXZWrZ1xc8vag6gXNq2NjYIyvHec1I-RcZm0HVH_MT33WOEYeGLJHSFHN0RU14b8u_pxYYC_TxD-HaEW5IpcduZDeRZXkrF4S4ASegaO1-A/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTGy4YxZ4JEJkSNAqpkcH_qzREKzIXuokXZWrZ1xc8vag6gXNq2NjYIyvHec1I-RcZm0HVH_MT33WOEYeGLJHSFHN0RU14b8u_pxYYC_TxD-HaEW5IpcduZDeRZXkrF4S4ASegaO1-A/s640/IMG_1260.JPG" width="476" /></a>In addition to going to dinner and touring schools, our cohort also made many side trips that I learned very much from. Of course, the one I found to be most fun was our sunset cruise down the Hudson and then up the East River, but the ones that impacted me most were our trips to Independence Hall, the home of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the United Nations and the 9/11 Memorial. <br />
<br />
I won't go into full detail simply because this blog is already way too long, but an example of something I enjoyed learning about was our visit to the United Nations. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
was a particularly important visit for me, as the set of
goals the UN has are a set of goals I strongly support. Around the world, the UN combats the effects of natural disasters, poverty, starvation, violence, human rights violations, etc. through aid on the streets and in government. I'm not going to pick a career today, but I definitely would not mind someday working for the United Nations. In fact, while many of my friends have jokingly told me I should run for President, I would much prefer to be a part of the United Nations. While all Americans value life as a whole, in this country, an American life tends to be given slightly more importance than others, and that is an idea I just cannot stand for. I feel I'd be able to achieve my goals worldwide with much more ease were I to be part of the United Nations.</span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<u>Columbia University</u><br />
<br />
<strong>A. City of New York</strong><br />
While kids across the West Contra Costa Unified School District all got to attend Ivy League classes, nobody got to experience the city of New York the way our cohort did. And while city life may not be for everyone, I could not have felt more at home. The fast-paced life, the convenience of public transportation (I'm kind of anti-cars, if that makes any sense. It's for environmental reasons.), and the abundance of things to do made me feel right at home. Of course, while in college I wouldn't have a great amount of time to spend in the city, but the convenience of having a Duane Reade a block away, or any location in the city a subway ride or two away is extremely convenient. Additionally, I love the fact that New York City is a blend of so many different cultures (the most linguistically diverse city in the world), and because I'm big on diversity, there is no better place than a city like New York to be a part of it all coming together.<br />
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<br />
<strong>B. Life in College</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bed is on the left.</td></tr>
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As far as independence and living on my own goes, I feel ready to live in college. Within a few days of arriving, I had already fallen into a routine which did wonders for me. After my morning class, I would always head back to my room for a nap of about an hour, then leave myself with just enough time for lunch. After my second class, I would always leave my room to do some work outdoors at some shady spot on campus. Then I would return and spend the rest of the night with some of the friends I had made. <br />
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The only tough part of life in college for me was being so far away from home. Physically, I can do my work, make meals whenever necessary, and go out and buy things like shaving cream, etc. without any problems. Emotionally, though, the connection to my family was greatly missed. And with everything we were doing, it was difficult to call very often, although Mrs. L helped to make sure we were doing fine and that we were staying in touch. I know that 3,000 miles across the country, though, my mom was able to feel closer to me because she would read my blog every morning with her coffee at 10 AM during her break at work. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life in college will definitely include some all-nighters.</td></tr>
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<br />
<strong>C. The People I Met</strong><br />
One of the most eye-opening aspects of this trip for me was the people I met that were also participating in the Columbia program. I met people from all corners of the world: the Dominican Republic, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland...you name it. Nearly everyone I met was extremely nice, and I cannot put into words how much I enjoyed being in a setting where everyone I spoke to was intellectual! It really broadens the possibilities for a topic of conversation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome ConLaw friends</td></tr>
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The aspect of meeting these kids that really opened my eyes, though, was that I was able to gain the perspective of kids who did not think the way I did or did not come from the same background that I am from. I gained different perspectives from kids on a number of different levels. There were the less significant differences, like the fact that people thought A's fans didn't actually exist, or the fact that the Bay Area uses some very unique slang which nobody I talked to had ever heard of. There were also the more eye-opening perspectives, though; one which blew my mind was the situation of education for public school kids in wealthy New York and New Jersey. I asked them what the size of their largest class size was, and most kids gave me answers between 20-25, occasionally 30. My largest class last year had 47 kids. "47?! Wow, that sounds more like two classes," I remember somebody telling me.<br />
<br />
And while I may not have agreed with him, it was so cool to argue about politics with a libertarian from my class, and it was a change for me to not be able to make sarcastic Mitt Romney comments whenever I wanted. Coming from an area made up almost entirely of democrats and people apathetic to politics, it was amazing to actually speak with people who supported George W. Bush.<br />
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By far the most astounding perspective I was able to learn about, though, was the economic perspective. To be rather blunt, just about everyone participating in this program was rich. For me, personally, this did not cause any major problems (one minor problem: I was unable to attend a baseball game because everyone else wanted to go for $100 tickets). I was in an environment where there were very few people as money-conscious as I
am, as the vast majority of kids at this High School program came from more
affluent backgrounds. <br />
<br />
I feel, though, that the fact that the student body was made up almost entirely of students from affluent backgrounds is the epitome of an underlying problem: the United States' ridiculous wealth disparity (worldwide, as well). I'll start by saying that of the hundreds of kids I talked to at this program, not a single one gave off any signs remotely close to suggesting they were representing the lower or middle class. It's not as if I asked everyone what their family income was, but if you pay close attention, you can get an idea. For example, spending $500 dollars on a suit for a three-hour dance with no dress code, or students saying they travel across the country to New York twice a year, or spending $100 on a baseball game where there are $10 tickets available, or constantly paying to eat out when you have free food in the cafeteria, or introducing me as "the thriftiest kid you've ever met." Before anyone gets the wrong idea, though, these kids have done absolutely
nothing wrong; they all seem to be perfectly good kids who more than deserved the
chance they got to study for a few weeks at one of the world's top
universities. I had no problem at all with upper class students being here. <br />
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<br />
My
cause for alarm is the kids who were not there. Unless you were given some miracle opportunity the way I was, the opportunity to study at Columbia for the summer was available only to those who could pay for it. The reason is that money buys opportunity. Students with money can attend private school or can move to wealthier areas and
attend a wealthy public school. Lower class students do not have this opportunity. Many lower class
students will live in lower-income neighborhoods, and may attend "dropout
factories," where fewer than 60% of the freshman class will still be in school
by senior year. Success in these dropout factories is unlikely. College?
Hopefully. A 3-week Summer program at an Ivy League school? Almost no chance. And as the upper classes
can buy more and more opportunities unavailable to the lower classes, the lower
classes get left behind. <br />
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The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This is a problem, which, if I someday have the tools and/or the power, I will address and attempt to reverse. Instead of Mitt Romney being able to own 5 houses (worth a combined $30 million), I'll hope to raise his taxes so that many of those millions can be used for the well-being of those in need, not for the greed of Mitt Romney.<br />
<br />
<strong>D. The Class</strong><br />
I don't want to sound over dramatic, but the three weeks I spent in my Constitutional Law class may have been the best three weeks I have ever had. They weren't just educational, they were fun! Above all, the part of the class I enjoyed most was debating; I had not debated in over a year and had completely forgotten how much fun it was. This time around, though, I was making not moral arguments, but legal arguments, something I had never done before. Nevertheless, I did my research, pulled my all-nighters, and when the dust settled in the morning, I was always proud of the work I had done. <br />
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The highlight for me was the speech I wrote arguing that the death penalty was unconstitutional. This was an issue I felt very passionately about morally, but legally, the US Supreme Court had continuously upheld the death penalty's constitutionality. However, the writings of Justice William Brennan were extremely helpful to me in writing my case. The influence of his writings did not stop there for me, though, I've continued to read much of what Justice Brennan wrote, and I am fascinated by many of his legal arguments.<br />
<br />
As I anticipated, I have already been able to apply what I learned to real life. Although I have stirred up quite a bit of controversy with my friends, I have used what I learned in our class to argue that, however ruthless and inhuman Jason Holmes may have acted, he cannot be given the death penalty. I argue not on the basis of my personal beliefs, but with legal arguments that I developed while in class. It is situations like these where I am able to apply my new knowledge of Constitutional law to the lives of Americans in everyday society. <br />
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The class has completely transformed the way I now argue for and against certain legislative bills, police actions, etc. I argue now not on the basis of what I feel is right or wrong, but of my interpretation of the Constitution. As I said earlier, I don't want to pick a career today, but one day becoming a Supreme Court justice would be a dream come true.<br />
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It is not just the material of the class I have to thank, though; none of it would have ever happened without the phenomenal instruction of our two teachers, Jeffrey and Luke. Whether it was opening our minds to the writings of the Supreme Court or facilitating philosophical discussions about the interpretation of the Constitution, the instruction of this class was top-notch. Furthermore, I fed off of the knowledge of each of my peers, contributing what I could to discussion and debate, and learning from my classmates how they felt about the same issue and why. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The people I spent some of the best weeks of my life with.</td></tr>
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I don't know whether it was on this blog that I was supposed to say whether or not I feel the ILC should continue the class, but my answer is an emphatic and unequivocal YES!<br />
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<br />
<u>Wrapping Everything Up</u><br />
Well, that's it. My thoughts on my Ivy League experience. If you made it to the end of this blog, I hope it was enjoyable and thought-provoking. I thank you, and I thank everyone who has read any one of my blogs sometime during the past six months. It's has been a pleasure.<br />
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Additionally, I'd like to thank my classmates and my teachers, Jeffrey Lenowitz and Luke MacInnis, for making the class what it was. Everything I wrote about how I now look at society's controversies not only from a moral perspective, but from a legal perspective as well --- You are all the reason for that. The class has changed me as a person.<br />
<br />
Mrs. L, I'd like to thank you for caring for us like your children and leading us through this experience, be it at a daily meeting of ours, or through the chaotic first week of events. You guided us, but let us make our own decisions when it came to how we would spend our free time and how we were getting involved in campus activities. Your patience and guidance meant the world to us; this could not have been done without you.<br />
<br />
To my cohort: you guys are amazing. I came into this knowing only Adrianne, and I leave with a family of friends that I will always hold onto. I can't even count how many laughs we all shared together, as well as intellectual conversations and debates. At our best and worst moments, I always had each of you by my side, and as the months and years will pass, I hope for the same. You guys are the best.<br />
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I'd like to thank Don Gosney (and Evil Don), Mr. Ramsey and Mrs. Kronenberg, and all other Ivy League Connection organizers, without whom this never would have happened. The masterpiece you three have poured hours of effort into has changed the futures of each and every one of us, as well as the hundreds of other students that have been lucky enough to be offered such a rare opportunity. In addition to the three of you, I would also like to thank the Ivy League Connection's donors. The money you so generously donate has allowed myself, my ILC family, and hundreds of other students the opportunity of a lifetime. As I said, our minds and our futures have been changed. Don, Mr. Ramsey, Mrs. Kronenberg, and ILC donors, I cannot put into words how grateful I am for all that you've done for my education and for our school district. I truly appreciate it.<br />
And of course, I'd like to thank my family for all of the emotional support along the way. I missed you all deeply, but your encouragement always kept me going.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjJYTIpGxgvtRTxP-ZaMsnaUocYtRstnl6077UqVLNWgSEp6ptE16bzrZTI-TVZZyVFcJfHSOQsnthqm4pWabplbKX2Jndxt0QLP4IS9I7YRmXCXHmu2ZSpWdSjRlIsK8TmKQ2V62Yw/s1600/561156_3225434848636_279157591_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjJYTIpGxgvtRTxP-ZaMsnaUocYtRstnl6077UqVLNWgSEp6ptE16bzrZTI-TVZZyVFcJfHSOQsnthqm4pWabplbKX2Jndxt0QLP4IS9I7YRmXCXHmu2ZSpWdSjRlIsK8TmKQ2V62Yw/s400/561156_3225434848636_279157591_n.jpg" width="375" /></a>And there you have it. In the following months, I know we'll (my cohort) all meet again to discuss how best to utilize our experience to create a more college-bound attitude in the minds of our classmates in the WCCUSD. In the years after that, I know each and every one of you will be very successful in life at whatever it is you choose to do. <br />
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As for me, well, we'll see how much the world has changed many years from now. After this experience, I'm a step closer.<br />
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"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" -Colossians 3:12Lucas Lochner Bravohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004585928479695548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-36443446917504942512012-07-24T03:31:00.001-07:002012-07-29T20:19:05.342-07:00Eyes Wide Open<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">From Cheryl Lilhanand—the Columbia Cohort Chaperone<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">With eyes wide open my cohort of six high
school students experienced the unique opportunity to visit major colleges back
east during one full week of traveling, followed by a three-week course at
Columbia. To say the least, this unusual and unique opportunity truly opened
their eyes to new horizons of which they never dreamed, let alone thought
possible. As a result they have gained confidence in themselves and proved that
students from West Contra Costa USD can compete with the best and are prepared
to handle the course load from an Ivy League School, or any other top ranked
school in this country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">From the beginning, our pace was extremely
hectic. Our week started with an early morning flight to the Big Apple. For
some this was their first trip out of the State, for one it was her first plane
ride. As we crossed the Queensborough Bridge to enter Manhattan the students
were so excited and became wide awake as they caught their first glimpse of the
high rises of New York City, which seemed to reach for the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">During our first week we went on a whirlwind
tour of four top schools. On our first morning we rose early to catch the
subway to Penn Station where we boarded our first Amtrak to Pennsylvania. Upon arrival
in Philadelphia we met up with the Cornell cohort and together toured
Independence Hall. To walk the grounds where our country was founded and hear
historical stories was truly amazing. Visiting this area of Philadelphia fit in
nicely with my student’s classes, which they would soon attend at Columbia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">As with my previous trips, my cohort was
very impressed with UPenn and all the support systems built into their
programs. Not only is the campus gorgeous, every alumnus and student we spoke
to raved about his experiences there. Also, as in the past, more than one of my
six students plan to apply to UPenn. In fact, the ILC has students attending
this university now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Our next day took us upstate to a new college
for the ILC campus tour: Sarah Lawrence. Here the students were greeted on a
much smaller campus located about a half an hour train ride from NYC. What a
difference in size. During the tour we sat in a typical lecture hall—with no
more than 30 seats. Oh, the advantages of what small colleges can offer with
small class sizes as well as constant individual academic support and
counseling. Here again, two of my students felt very comfortable in this
setting and plan to apply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Thursday we headed up the Hudson on Amtrak
again. Upon arrival we headed straight to Hyde Park, summer home and
Presidential library of FDR. After watching an excellent video on his
challenging life and touring his house and gardens, we learned to really
appreciate his dedication to the American public knowing the constant battle he
had with polio. Then we were on to Vassar. Trying to ignore the near 100º heat,
we attended an information session, which was followed by a campus tour. Since
there is no graduate program, professors are able to focus their attention on
their students. Later, after talking to some alumni over dinner, we were told
that Vassar is one of the best liberal arts colleges in the U.S., such pride.
On a side note, one of the ILC students I brought here last year will attend
Vassar as a freshman in the fall!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Friday we were off to Connecticut to visit
Yale. Their information session was the most dynamic of all the schools we
visited. We were so fortunate to have lunch with Yohanna Pepa, a former ILCer
who attends Yale. She brought some current students as well and afterwards they
gave us a personalized private tour. Here again, a couple of my students added
Yale to their application list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">In between our site visits we met with
current students and/or alumni from UPenn, Vassar, Yale, and Columbia over
lunch or dinner. In each case the conversations at the table were priceless. My
cohort felt so comfortable asking endless questions about the curriculum, class
size, support offered, housing, clubs, overseas programs, etc. I strongly feel
the dinners and luncheons were probably just as powerful and informative as
were all of the site visits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">After a week of traveling my students
finally moved into the dorms at Columbia. Over the next three weeks they
experienced student life; such as the stresses of completing assignments on
time, massive reading assignments, doing laundry and eating in the cafeteria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Four students took <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Constitutional Law</i> and two took <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Presidential
Powers, from Washington to Obama</i>. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Con
Law</i> students read many court cases and debated a number of issues. They
even had to write a six-page court briefing. Whereas the two in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Powers</i> had to complete a major research
paper, 20 pages long. Students in both classes had an extensive amount of
reading and class participation was an important part of both courses. All six
students said they absolutely loved their class. They all repeated that the ILC
should continue to offer these two classes to students in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Our district can be proud of all six. They
worked hard and took their classes very seriously. Each one loved their class
and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge each one presented. In our daily briefings I could
see them gain confidence in a variety of areas from their debating skills to
doing extensive research. In short, they blossomed and took their challenges
head on ...and succeeded!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The best part about being a chaperone to six
high school students for four weeks is seeing them open up; academically,
socially, and culturally. My students gained confidence by reaching outward and
upward, they met their challenges and took pride in their accomplishments
whether it be in a class debate or quiz or paper, their smiles grew bigger.
Their conversations changed. Their thinking jumped to a different and higher
level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">None of this would be possible without the
incredible vision and dedication of the ILC founders: Charles Ramsey and
Madeline Kronenberg. Another very important person to the success of the
program is Don Gosney. And of course none of this would be possible without the
generosity of the sponsors. On behalf of my cohort I want to thank the sponsors
for giving my students the opportunity of a lifetime. I know how much this trip
meant to each one. In our daily debriefs they often expressed their amazement
and gratitude to the ILC program and the sponsors. After meeting and talking to
other students in their classes they soon realized our group was the ONLY one
supported by someone other than the individual family. My hat goes off to each
of you...you are truly making changes in our student’s lives, in more ways than
you can imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">What more can we ask for? Well, we now hope
this cohort, as well as the other cohorts, will share their incredible
experiences with other students in our district so they too can reach for the
stars with eyes wide open.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Don Gosneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17110247579694408858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-9016213022483745382012-07-24T03:01:00.003-07:002012-07-29T20:19:42.990-07:00From the Mother of Lucas Lochner Bravo<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Reflexiones </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissSdjOOEvbDpQ_nXOTUli8W8bsdheYbQ7kWDCTwsOheS6pgZPhGOd69KYyQ5tL2slBayfo9hkzAY310adKVSF7Nzb_Q_-qNk1ULa91X_O_7dqDEl05pzqLaaB7L5Vp5JTlGhFQL1D0Sc/s1600/Lucas+Lochner-Bravo+Headshot-1C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissSdjOOEvbDpQ_nXOTUli8W8bsdheYbQ7kWDCTwsOheS6pgZPhGOd69KYyQ5tL2slBayfo9hkzAY310adKVSF7Nzb_Q_-qNk1ULa91X_O_7dqDEl05pzqLaaB7L5Vp5JTlGhFQL1D0Sc/s320/Lucas+Lochner-Bravo+Headshot-1C.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was late December 2011, summer in
the Southern Hemisphere. We were on vacation in Chile. As soon as we got there,
my son Lucas informed me that he was applying for ILC and that he needed to
talk with someone in the USA to get the details. After a long and expensive
phone conversation, Lucas told me, “I have to write some essays as part of the
selection process,” and “I have a deadline.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From that day on, I started my own
journey as a mom, being with Lucas every step of the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During that vacation in Chile, while
the rest of us spent time on the beach, or in the pool, or going places, Lucas
stayed home, sometimes going to bed as the sun was rising, working on his
essays for ILC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I saw how just writing about a
specific topic enhanced his knowledge about life, about the world, and about
himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was the time of the Occupy movement
in the USA, a time of economic hardship for many families—foreclosures,
unemployment, global warming and so on. I saw how Lucas was becoming more and
more interested in what was happening in the world; at the same time I saw how
he started an internal dialog, searching for possible solutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I saw my son more involved and
engaged, with more clear political philosophies that reflect his own values in
everyday life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, after a stressful but
extremely enriching interview process before the ILC panel, Lucas was nominated
as one of the kids who would participate in ILC at Columbia University,
attending a Constitutional Law class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What followed that day was a
preparation for the big day that he and five other students would leave for the
East Coast, to be active participants in the Constitutional Law class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before the trip, Lucas prepared
everything by himself; I was silently close to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When he left for Columbia, I felt a
mix of feelings: emptiness, joy, and excitement. I knew that this would be an
extraordinary experience for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During the four weeks that he was
there, I had my own routine; at 10:00 am I would have my coffee break and I
would enjoy reading Lucas’ blog as well as the other students’ blogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I saw how Lucas was transforming in
front of my eyes; he became this young man, who started using terms like “social
justice,” “human rights,” “freedom,” “equality.” It brought memories of my own
adolescence, growing up in a country under dictatorship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What ILC has given to Lucas is a
treasure, an experience during which the kids needed to integrate intellectual
work, social skills, life skills and ideals that make you grow as a person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are so grateful to ILC for this opportunity
that otherwise we would not have been able to offer to Lucas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lucas’ younger sister has seen his
progress through this experience, and now she is thinking of applying to ILC
too, because she knows it would be an experience that would change her life
too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For now I need to prepare myself. My
son will leave soon for college, a new chapter in his life as well as mine. In
my culture, kids stay with their families when they go to college. Here it is
different. I need to let him go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a friend of mine says …..”We give
our children roots…and we give them wings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks, ILC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Victoria Bravo (Lucas’s mom)</span><o:p></o:p></div>Don Gosneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17110247579694408858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-65083286050920358602012-07-23T18:18:00.001-07:002012-07-23T18:18:21.782-07:00It's Officially The End<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">“Leonard Eisen. Lucas
Lochner-Bravo.” One by one, they announced the names of the Ivy League
Connection’s newest members. “Adrianne
Ramsey.” As the room filled with
applause and congratulations, I found myself inching towards the exit. There
was no way that I had been accepted—all of the other applicants were much better
choices; they were far more gifted than me, not to mention more articulate and
charming. I braced myself as the interviewers began to announce the fourth and
final name. “Oluwatomi Balogun.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly half a year since
my name was called that day. The process following my acceptance into the Ivy
League Connection was certainly a long and stressful one, but the end result
was certainly worth all the effort. Now that a little over a week has passed
since returning home, I would like to take the time to reminisce about my trip.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">The first seven days of in New York were arguably the most
eventful part of our trip. Each day we visited one of the nation’s most esteemed
campuses, each one with its own breathtaking landscape and unique atmosphere. I’m really apprentice of our tours and
information seminars, as it was through theses means that I was able to realize
what kind of school I would like to attend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">This trip has helped realize how close-minded I’ve really been.
Before this trip, the only school I wanted to go to was UC Berkeley. I couldn’t
even give a legitimate reason as to why I wanted to go besides “It’s a good
school.” Through my experiences, I’ve come to ask myself a very important
question: “Do I want to go to UC Berkeley because I think that it’s right
school for me or do I want to go to UC Berkeley because everyone else wants to
go to UC Berkeley?” While I still plan
on applying to UC Berkeley, I also would like to apply to Columbia University,
UPenn, and New York University. Not only because they’re great schools, but
also because I love their environments and I can honestly see myself being
successful whilst attending anyone of these schools. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">One thing that I certainly won’t forget about this trip would
be the dinners. I honestly can’t remember a time where I was even a little bit
hungry; if I wasn’t already full from a previous meal, then I was sure to more
than make up for it during the next. I was treated to some of the best food
that I’ve ever had in my entire life. Not only was the food always cooked to
perfection, but their presentation was fabulous as well. However, I think that
my favorite part of our dinners were the conversations. Thanks to our entertaining
and knowledgeable alumni, our dinners were able to become as fond and memorable
as they are today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Our first week in New York ended all too quickly; it was hard
to believe that in the timeframe of just one week I went from touring some of our
country’s top schools to actually attending one. My time at Columbia University is something that
I will never forget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I already find myself missing my friends and suitemates. I
spent three weeks getting to know them, and knowing that we’ll most likely never
see each other again is rather upsetting. While it’s true that we’ve exchanged
contact information, it’s certainly not the same as sharing a room or dormitory.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I absolutely adored my Constitutional Law class. My
classmates and instructors were amazing; I thoroughly enjoyed our class discussions
and debates; it was a never-ending battle of wits in that class. Needless to
say, I was able to fulfill my goal of exposing myself to new viewpoints. Whether
or not I agreed with the opinion at hand, I would take the time to compare another
person’s views with my own views in order to get a better idea of my own beliefs.
Because of this class, I was able to
learn about both constitutional law and the importance of opinion and interpretation.
Personally, I believe that it is necessary to be versed in both fields in order
to become a model citizen, making the things that I learned in this class valuable
both in and out of the classroom. As I said before, I really loved this course;
a part of me even wishes that it have been a year-round, rather than just three
weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">As for trips, I’m sad to say that most of my Top 15 Picks
were left unfulfilled. However, that’s not to say that I didn’t have fun regardless.
In fact, quite the opposite is true. I was able to visit so many famous sights,
some of which that I had never before thought of going to. Some of my favorites
were the Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock, Central Park, and the fireworks
display on the Hudson River. This trip also marked many firsts for me, such as my
first time on a boat and my first time on a skyscraper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Never in my life would have I ever imagined myself in New
York City—but as luck would have it, I was just there a week ago. This trip was probably one of the best experiences
in my life, and thanks to this blog, I’ll be able to remember practically every
minute of it.While there's still a few weeks of summer vacation left, there's certainly nothing that can top this trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Although, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=754512214260763525#editor/target=post;postID=4062939349969714165;onPublishedMenu=overview;onClosedMenu=overview;postNum=11;src=postname" target="_blank">I thanked everyone in a previous post</a>, I would like to make a few special mentions. I would like to thank Mrs. Kronenberg, Mr. Ramsey,
and Don Gosney. Without their time and efforts, the Ivy League Connection
wouldn’t even exist. These three people have helped countless students expand
their horizons and achieve things they may have thought impossible. I also like
would like wholeheartedly thank them for impacting my life for the better. I’m incredibly
grateful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Tomi Balogunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01587721029160636453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-22349215513364500022012-07-23T01:33:00.004-07:002012-07-23T14:01:59.984-07:00In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">We waited anxiously in the room for minutes, but they all felt like hours. We waited, the time ticked away as we clicked our pens and glanced around nervously, wondering who was ultimately going to be chosen by the panelists. We stepped inside the silent rooms one by one, hoping to impress our interviewers with our personalities and ideas. The room was silent, and around the dark wooden conference table sat 6 worthy individuals, from lawyers, to experienced teachers, acting as our interviewers for the day. One seat stood out, however, one seat was completely empty. Every gap around the table was filled with one individual, but one. That was left for us. We sat at the head of the table, across from a tripod. On that tripod was one of the most intimidating factors of the whole experience; the video camera. While our every move, our every breath, and our every stutter was recorded on tape, it did not just end there. Our every smile, glance, and gesture was also documented by the flashing camera that cased around us while we spoke. The questions were all equally challenging and thought provoking, but we all endured the intimidating environment while also answering each question impressively. Once the 10th and final question was answered and the last drop of nervous sweat secretly glided down our foreheads, we rose with confidence and pride, shaking each and every hand in that room and walked out that room with bold smiles. We emerged into the waiting room once more, the hours now felt like days as it was finally approaching the time where the six panelists chose the worthy ones for admission into the Ivy League Connection and redemption of the generous scholarships granted by the independent sponsors. Finally, they chose us all to re-enter the room, this time, all together. One by one we entered, our hearts beating rapidly, our minds filled with doubt; was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>I</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"> really going to be the one chosen to attend Columbia University? Suddenly, in the midst of her speech, Mrs.Kronenberg said my name. I felt like the world around me just stopped, no sort of sound glided through time, no movement emerged, nothing. Everything just stopped. A tear of joy ran down my cheek; I was one of the only two chosen in that interview for Presidential Powers to study at Columbia University in the city of New York.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From day one, my experiences as a proud member of the Ivy League Connection has never seized to amaze me. On June 18th 2012, my fellow cohort and I left to New York city in a stretch white limo. From the start of our trip, our journey began with luxury, a reward for our accomplishments thus far you may suppose. Our first week in New York, we toured from restaurant to restaurant, visited different colleges, met with different alumni, admission officers, and students alike, speaking to each in regards to their experiences at different universities. There, we not only enjoyed the rich, tasty meals at each of the best restaurants in the big apple, but what we enjoyed even more was the rich conversations we had with each unique individual.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Suite</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After our first week, we took our first steps on the campus we soon called home, the campus to Columbia University. We walked that day with baby steps, and we soon left that campus emerging like giants that had gained their height by soaking up all the information and the rich culture around them. It wasn't only that we were studying at a world class institution, we were also in a new world that was so different from the one we came from and for the first time, we were completely independent and alone. Our parents left us the time they said their final goodbyes at El Cerrito High School, that entire month we were alone, and our responsibility, maturity, and independence took over in the bustling city know as New York. There, us 6 teenagers soon learned a life time of experiences with endless challenges on each path we took.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At Columbia university, Aurea and I studied Presidential Powers at Home and Abroad with Dr.Porwancher whom had received his PhD from Cambridge. He was a very intelligent professor, of course, but he also had a bright and humorous personality that never allowed for a dull moment in his class. Each morning, Aurea and I would wake up, eat breakfast at John Jay dining hall, and head to Schermerhorn for our first two hour session of class. There we sat around the conference table for our "discussion seminar," where we discussed each challenging article we read the night before. Every night before class, I would sit in my room under the dim lighting of my work lamp and read the articles assigned to us. However, I would not just read it, I would analyze it, make inferences based on my reading, and draw conclusions and evaluations as well. Then the next day in class, I would constantly raise my hand and contribute the most I could to the class at all times. Each and every day, I never failed to come to class unprepared.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">After those two hours, we would take a break for lunch and then went straight back to work. This time, we spent the remainder of our two hours at the beautiful Butler library. This was probably my second home at Columbia University, the place where I spent the majority of my time on campus. There we went from room to room looking for our books and our sources. Why? Because throughout or month in Columbia University, Aurea and I were writing a 20 page research paper for our class. The amount of time we worked on those papers far exceeded the two hours we spent at the library each day, however. Many times Aurea would go back to her room and nap, then later come to the library and work for the rest of the night on her paper. I, on the other hand, never enjoyed the luxury of napping throughout my stay, but I constantly stayed in Butler library until closing time simply working on my paper. The topic I chose was definitely a hard one, nonetheless. I chose to write about how media affects political images and success because I wanted to challenge myself. However, I failed to realize that a 20 page college research paper is definitely a challenge within itself (especially since it was the first research paper I had ever written). The topic was challenging because it was almost like merge between media studies and political sciences, and aside from that, it was really difficult to find primary sources. Others chose to write about one particular president or once particular incident, but my topic went into detail in regards to a few different presidencies and incidents alike. Thankfully, after all the risks I took by choosing that topic and the hard work I put into the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">development of my paper, it all finally paid off. My professor sent me my paper back in the mail with a personal comment at the end written, "Morvarid, you've done some very solid research and amalgamated a lot of interesting material into a coherent and explanatory framework." Those words were the words I really looked forward to every day I typed away my nights on my laptop in Butler library. Later, he also mentioned in a different message, "I was very pleased with your performance." These simple phrases carved a smile on my face that I will never forget. The feeling of success that blossomed in my heart was a true feeling of joy, and for that I was very thankful.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first session class.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">I remember the first day of class, I walked into the room when everyone was very stiff as they were still very unfamiliar with their new classmates. While everyone was looking down awkwardly and played nervously with their hands, I walked in with a smile and sat at the end of the table and introducing myself to those who had been sitting at the same table for quite a while but probably did not each other's names. From that moment on, we all became very good friends despite the fact that we all came from different areas of the world. Some were from China, others from Korea, and some were very local and lived in New York. To my surprise, one was very close to my home, he was from Southern California. Another, was even closer to where I <i>consider</i> home, he was Iranian. The rich and varied culture we created in that class allowed us to not only learn about the topics discussed in class every day, but also from each other, our cultures, our identities, our ways of thinking, and our different beliefs. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Every night before sleeping at Hartley Hall, I could count with my fingers the amount of new students I had met. Every moment before I closed my eyes and fell deep into my sleep, I could count the different cultures I had been introduced to. ILC students can all say they attended a prestigious university, but no one but the Columbia students had the advantage of the New York experience. It wasn't just the different environment, but it was also what we were exposed to as well that created such an impact.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">As for my cohort itself, I'd like to take this time to thank each and every one of them for the great time we had together. Our time in New York felt like months rather than weeks, and I'm so glad we have all became so close. Without all of you, this trip would have definitely not been as fun as it was. You were all what made every second what it was. I can't remember one day not laughing until my belly hurt without you all, or even one day where I wasn't looking forward to seeing your smiling faces. Seeing you all brightened up each of my days from June to July, and I definitely cannot wait to see you all once again. From Lucas, to Lenny, Aurea, Adrianne, and Tomi, I'd like to take the time to tell you guys that you all have special place in my heart and I care for you all tremendously. I hope you all enjoyed my company as much as I did yours. I hope I never offended anyone or hurt anyone in anyway! If I did, I deeply apologize. You are all like brothers and sisters to me, and with Mrs.L, we complete a family. Thank you so much Mrs.L for the amazing time we had with you throughout our trip. You have such a beautiful smile that made every day even better than it was. Thanks for being patient with us and taking care of us in New York City, just as if we were your own kids. I miss you already and I hope to see you soon! Nonetheless, thank you so much to the sponsors that made it possible for us to have this life changing experience, and the Ivy League Connection, Don, Mr.Ramsey, and Mrs.Kronenberg that believed in us and created the Ivy League Connection for students like us. Last but not least, I would like to send a great "thank you" to my professor and TA, Professor Andrew Porwancher and Kelsey Kearns for being the great instructors they were and giving us the best possible experience in our classroom environment. I truly enjoyed the course and they were both very inspirational. All I look forward to now is to apply to Columbia University, this time as an official student. Long story short, I always liked the school, but now I <b><u>passionately love</u> it!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Now on a different note, we may be back from our trip outside of California, but our adventure does not end quite there. We have just finished a chapter in the new book we have unveiled, and now a new chapter will emerge. In this chapter, we will use the experiences we have acquired in Columbia University to give back to our community and the students in our schools. Everything we have learned will now transfer to our students for we are ambassadors in our own community. The Ivy League Connection has allowed us to absorb all of this information and now it's time to clench the thirst of the thousands of students at home that were not chosen by the ILC and inspire them on their journey towards college by giving them all the necessary information we can for their success. Like Columbia's motto, "In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen"(light shall we see light). Now it is time for our students to see that light, and we will act as the transfer to guarantee this to happen. With our dedication to both our school and community, we will hold ourselves responsible for this and will not give up until we see this through.</span></div>Morvarid Mehdizadehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11651411189509618211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-60919675099263482552012-07-22T22:56:00.000-07:002012-07-22T22:56:14.266-07:00Summer of a Lifetime<div style="text-align: justify;">
My journey to New York did not begin on June 18th. It began in October, with the Pinole Valley High School College Fair, at the ILC booth run by Alex Elms and Don Gosney. This was not my first time hearing about the program or meeting Don, but it was when things really began. The road from then until now has been a long, difficult, and undoubtedly rewarding one, that I know will have a lasting impact on my life. </div>
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I think I can break up my trip into two chronological sections: the first week, and then the following three. They differed greatly. When we first arrived in New York, we were constantly on the move. It was really exciting. One moment we would be at UPenn, and the next we would be having dinner by Central Park. We did so much in each day, that I honestly thought more time had passed than actually had; every time I thought of "yesterday," it would feel like several days ago. </div>
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The highlight of that first week wasn't the extravagant dinners, or the excitement of NYC, or even learning about amazing schools. For me, it was getting to have conversations with the students and alumni of the colleges we visited. It didn't matter if it was at a Cuban lunch, a Greek dinner, or while walking through a Universities quad; the profound insight they can give us into what life at their school is like is priceless. </div>
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On a brief side note, I also enjoyed the train rides. I wish public transit in California was as extensive and mainstream as it is back East. It's a far more efficient, Eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to travel. I know there are a lot of factors limiting such a system existing out West, but it would be nice to have. </div>
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The second portion of our trip was very different from the first. While before, we had been constantly on the move, we were now spending most of our time in one place. That's not to say that it was less exciting, but it was certainly more relaxing. </div>
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I spent my last three summers taking classes at UC Berkeley in the Academic Talent Development Program. It was a great experience, but it doesn't even compare to my time at Columbia. The sheer number of different regions and cultures represented made the population a micro-UN. 2/3 of the residential students were from other countries. I can't say that they come from ALL backgrounds though, as nearly everyone there was a private school student and came from a privileged home. You need to have a high income to be able to send your child to the program, especially if you are from out of state. It seems that the ILC is the only program of its kind, because everyone I talked to said their parents were paying for the trip and were amazed to hear that my school district sent students there for free. This is yet another opportunity to thank the sponsors. I'm realizing more and more how lucky I am to have had this experience. Most people can't say they took a class at Columbia while in high school, let alone with the expenses paid for by benefactors. </div>
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I made a lot of friends in this program. Thank goodness for the internet, because it's the only way we can stay in touch. I'm still in contact with people from New York, Florida, Canada, the Netherlands, India, China, Australia and farthest of all, Los Angeles. </div>
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The high light of my trip was definitely the class. I may have already said this, but this was the best coarse I've EVER taken. Everything about it was fantastic. The material was interesting, and I've already been able to apply what I've learned to my conversations back home. The other students were all brilliant, though most would never admit it. A large portion (if not the majority) of the class time was spent on discussions, which were intelligent and constructive. When opinions came into play they were always backed by solid logic. Most importantly, the teachers were amazing. They were a really dynamic combination. Jeffrey usually led the teaching of the cases, while Luke led discussions concerning the theories behind the Constitution. They were always really good at explaining things, and usually did it with a sense of humor. They understood that many things about our nation's history seem ridiculous to us today, and they both capitalized on that to keep our attention. I'm still blown away by how much we all enjoyed and thrived in this environment. </div>
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It wasn't all study, though. I found time nearly everyday to explore the city with Resident Advisors, fellow students, Ms. Lilhanand, and of course, my cohort. I saw the beach, parks, museums, restaurants, Time Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, NYU, and plenty of upper Manhattan, I only saw three of the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens), but I can't imagine having had time to see the other two. I think my favorite experience was going to the Neon Trees concert. The rush of being so close to the bands, surrounded by friends was, for lack of a better word, awesome. </div>
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In general, I loved New York. The skyline, the art, the performers in the subway, the food: it was all fantastic. That being said, I don't miss it. New York's a great city, and I may even want to live there some day, but right now, I'm glad to be home. There's something different about the atmosphere in the Bay. People seem more relaxed, even in the cities. Maybe it's just because I grew up here, but this area is just more comfortable for me. I may have gotten used to tall buildings and an unforgiving sun, but I think I still prefer, homes in the hills and a nice cool breeze. Sorry NYC, but Bay Life is where it's at.<br />
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I guess that pretty much wraps up my experience out East. This is the most amazing summer I've ever had. I think the most profound thing I've gained from this trip (besides memories) are the ideas that have formed in me. I can't really show this through my blog, but I've grown over the last month. My class and my experiences have taught me so much, and I'm beginning to develop opinions and beliefs based on them. I have a better idea of what I'm good at and what I'm passionate about. For example, I now believe that the Constitution needs to be reformed. I didn't want to write about any of my views on this until I had completed the class, but I now think that if the Constitution is to accurately reflect the beliefs of the people it has power over, it needs to be re-written every generation. The morals of the current American people are different from those of the very limited pool of legislators back when it was written. I also believe that the Supreme Court has too much power when it comes to Constitutional interpretation, so we need a more specific document that is easier to change. This will most accurately reflect the changing views of the people. I don't think that the beliefs of the hundred or so rich, land and slave owning, white, christian and male writers of the Constitution reflect that of our extremely diverse nation. Of course, this is only my own opinion, and I'm sure the other students in the class came to their own unique conclusions. I just wanted to express my beliefs in what may be my last blog entry. </div>
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I'll sign off by thanking you, the readers. Who ever you may be, you are the reason we wrote this. Wanting to impress you is what kept us trying to outdo ourselves with each new entry. I hope my posts stayed interesting and that you enjoyed and learned from them. Sorry that this one lacked photos, but I've already shared most of them with you. If it's any consolation, below is my favorite picture from this trip. I took it on a train returning to Manhattan from New Haven, CT. Once again, I hope you enjoyed what you read. Thank you. <br />
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</div>Leonard Eisenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16039054560096365772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-60903774527174569142012-07-22T22:12:00.001-07:002012-07-23T08:21:22.066-07:00A Check off the Old Bucket List<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>February 10<sup>th</sup>, 2012</strong>. I don’t think there was a
time in my life that I was so anxious, excited and relieved. With the support
of my peers, family, and friends, I finally accomplished a goal in life I
thought I would never achieve; I was selected in the Ivy League Connection. As
clichéd as it sounds, no words can describe the instant that my name was called
to go the American Presidential Powers course at Columbia University for the
summer. It’s funny to think that I kept my composure while talking to the panel,
Mr. Ramsey and Don Gosney but once I stepped foot out the room I squealed like
a fan girl- along with Morvarid Mehdizadeh of course. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast forward about three months and eight days later, and
all the preparation the 2012 Columbia cohort received finally was put to use.
The tutorial, dinner, meetings and orientation built the momentum for out
departure to the Big Apple. Here we were, a group of six California teens
flying about three thousand miles away from home with a chaperon for a month in
the bustling city of New York. Yes, it’s still unbelievable to even me that I
was part of such an experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong><u>Before the Columbia Experience<o:p></o:p></u></strong></div>
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Most people associate this trip with the course the students
took but often forget the enriching trips we had along the way. Before stepping
foot on Columbia’s campus, we stayed at the Beacon hotel for the beginning
duration. But do not mistake our first week as relaxed- it was everything but that.
We bounced back and forth between college campuses- even states- trying to fit
as much activities into our first week. <br />
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We began each morning and ended each night the same way;
bright and early to start the day while dark and exhausted to end the night. We
visited Sarah Lawrence College, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University,
Vassar College, and New York University- although the latter wasn’t until our
third week into the trip. The group listened to information sessions for each
school and toured the campuses, taking in as much detail for memory. Being a
rising senior, I knew these opportunities to see different college environments
were vital to the upcoming application process. Schools that I once thought
were for me turned out not to be. Now I have a better idea to what I want in my
education after secondary school. Medium sized campuses with an urban or
suburban setting are a must with me along with study abroad programs. I’m happy
to announce that my college list has drastically shifted from California based
schools to out-of-state schools, such as a one in Hawaii and a few in New York.
I know my family won’t be too thrilled with my decision but a good four years
outside of Cali will be good for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Along with our college sight-seeing were dinners with alumni
from the above schools. Unfortunately we were unable to meet with Sarah
Lawrence and NYU alumni, but the dinners with Yale, UPenn, Vassar, and Columbia
alums made the experience even more elevating. Not only did I learn valuable
information about the colleges the alumni and admission officers were
representing but I learned general college tips that most students my age would
never think to ask of. Colleges don’t want the perfect model students who work
like robots; they want unique individuals who will impact the campus in such a
dynamic way that may be deemed as inconceivable. I learned that one does not
have to major in a specific concentration to have one’s dream career. I learned
that one should be as true to one’s self when writing a personal statement;
don’t use clichéd, dramatic happenings in one’s life, write about what’s shaped
the character of one’s self. I learned that networking is probably the greatest
resource and skill a college student have when defining his/her career. And
finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong><u>During the Columbia Experience</u></strong></div>
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After a week of non-stop action- okay, we did get a few
hours of sleep in during the nights- we began what the donors and sponsors
poured their money into, the Columbia High School Summer Program. And of course
the time and effort from the ILC staff. Thus was the start of a three week
course I will never forget.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To start off, residential advisors for the Columbia High
School Program laid down the rules. The most important of all is to ALWAYS make
it back before curfew. If one’s late, depending on the duration of one’s
tardiness, consequences vary. Also security at Columbia University is very
strict. Most buildings, if not all, require students to have a Columbia
identification card. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Residential advisors also planned trips around NYC. From eateries
to Broadway plays, students were able to tour the city with a group. But if students
didn’t want to go on a planned RA trip, students were given the freedom to go
out as long as they notified their RA’s of their whereabouts. I had the
pleasure to see Maroon 5 on the Today Show, see the 4<sup>th</sup> of July
fireworks at Riverside Park, see the Bodies Exhibit and Seaport Village, visit Coney
Island and the beach, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, go on a Sunset Cruise, and of
course go shopping on 5<sup>th</sup> Avenue and Macy’s. Whether it be fun or
work, NYC will always keep you busy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dorm life for me at Columbia University was adequate; I had
the necessities- a bed, sheets, pillow, desk, bathroom, and air conditioning.
I, along with Lucas, Lenny, Adrianne, and Tomi, stayed in the Carman building
while Morvarid stayed in the Hartley building. Carman dorms consist of two
double rooms and one bathroom. I say adequate because it wasn’t the nicest dorm
on campus but I could have had it worse by staying at John Jay, where the whole
floor had to share a bathroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My roommate was fresh graduate from a high school in Hong
Kong and was taking the College Prep class. Unfortunately she left the program
early for a college interview back in Hong Kong, so I had the whole room to
myself for the last week. My floor was comprised of many different girls. In my
RA group, I met a girl from Greece, New Jersey, and other parts of the world.
Columbia’s High School program for this summer had more international students
than usual, so we all had our fair share of cultural learning along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know you’ve all read about the fun aspect of my trip but
it wasn’t all fun and games. With my American Presidential Powers class, I was
required to go to a two hour session in the Schermerhorn building then another
session at a library. For me, the class was less rigorous as I anticipated. My
first session consisted of discussions on fifteen to twenty page articles on
presidential power. Then my second session was devoted to researching for my
paper. The best advice I can give to anyone taking this class in the future is
to manage your researching and writing. No one wants to be up finishing one’s
paper till dawn- although this didn’t happen to me, just very late into the
night. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My favorite part of the class was probably the debate we had
on court cases. Like the Constitutional Law students, we debate two sides of
the case and legality of it. Court case debating is definitely different from
the type of debating I do- which is policy debating- so it was a learning
process for me along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My professor was laid back and not only taught us the class
but college prep tips as well. Professor Porwancher laid down his college
experiences and the best advice I gained from his class was to never be upset
about not getting into the “best colleges.” It should never put down one’s own
spirit when going to school. Although the one thing my professor wanted me to
take from the course was to learn to qualify my argument and frame it to a more
sophisticated one; I know, I liked the college tidbit better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Along my journey at NYC I made not only close friends with
my cohort but with others as well. Although I met lots of people, from
Australia to Turkey, the two I bonded with the most outside of my cohort were
Rowland and Brittany. Rowland is a rising senior from southern California while
Brittany is a rising junior from Texas. Our group slowly incorporated the two
and we all got along wonderfully, cracking jokes at each other here and there. But
other than our laughs, we also had meaningful talks to learn about each other,
such as our backgrounds and where we would go to college. The two became so
inclusive of our group that Ms. L even knew the two!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u><strong>After the Columbia Experience</strong></u></div>
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Sadly my twenty-six days at NYC had to end and now I’m back
here in the Bay Area. Although I loved the Big Apple, home is such a nice place
to be. I know that I would love to go out of state, preferably New York, for
college but I couldn’t stay there the rest of my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For me, this trip has made my college decisions bounce back
and forth. I thought that engineering was always for me but learning from my
actual course and the alumni dinners made me realize that it may be not for me.
Engineering would be something I would be good at but in the end I don’t know
for sure if it’s something I would do for the rest of my life. Political
science has never been so tempting to me before along with a psychology. I
know, two different ends of the spectrum. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Due to my fickle heart and mind when regarding my future, I’ve
actually narrowed down my college choice list. I’m now down to eight schools
that I’m applying to; Boston University, Columbia University, New York
University, Sarah Lawrence College, Stanford University, Syracuse University,
University of California Berkeley, and University of Hawaii Manoa. I don’t plan
to apply early decision anywhere since my mind is having an internal struggle
with itself. Who knew the future could be so stressing?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since my last blog was inadequate in my thank you’s, I’d
just like to give them here:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ms. L, thank you for being such a great chaperon. Actually the
word chaperon doesn’t bring to justice the role you played for us while at NYC.
For me, you were literally a second mommy to me while on the East Coast. You
read all of us like an open book, especially me when I was on my off days. You
were lenient yet strict when dealing with our outings and were always available
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Columbia University High School Summer Program staff, thank
you for the opportunity of a life time. Being able to study at such a
prestigious school was such an honor. Thank you especially to Darlene Giraitis,
the director of the summer program, who will be retiring after twenty-four
years. And of course, Andrew Porwancher, the professor for the American Presidential
Powers course, who taught me that better arguments aren’t always the obvious.
My enriching trip would not have been so without their key roles in my learning
experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pinole Valley High School ILC staff, thank you for the help
and support. Dyana So and Alex Elms are two students I would like to acknowledge
separately due to their help. Without your advice and guidance, I probably wouldn’t
have made it into the ILC. I’d also like to thank Mr. Wilson, who not only
helped me with my essay and interview but with my research paper as well. His
assistance on what would be a better thesis for my paper really helped me frame
my essay into such a complex argument. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ivy League Connection staff and sponsors, thank you for the
life-defining trip on the East Coast. No words can explain my gratitude to such
an amazing organization which lets middle class students go on an opportunity
of a lifetime. I’d like to especially thank Mr. Ramsey for the hard work he
puts into the program, such as planning functions and finding sponsors. Thank
you Ms. Kronenberg for going back and forth on the East Coast and checking up
on how we’re doing as a group and how we plan to give back. Thank you Don Gosney
for all the time and labor you put into the program, from emails to personally
delivering items and letters. And of course, thank you all the sponsors who
have invested their money into an incredible trip. Your investments will not be
wasted, especially when the ILCers give back to our community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The 2012 Columbia Cohort, thank you for such a fun
experience. Due to such a different group, from sense of humor to morals,
conversation was never dull with any of you guys. Lucas, thank you for your patient,
calm, and honest disposition. Having you around always made us mindful of
others and courteous. Plus we would never get lost in NYC with you! Lenny,
thank you for your sense of humor and witty remarks. Although half of them did
provoke teasing, your remarks lightened up the mood. Tomi, thank you for your
quiet and down to earth personality. Although you were silent for a few
moments, the impact of what you said always left me amazed and laughing.
Morvarid, thank you for your cheery personality. Not matter what the situation,
you always tried to look past the negative aspect and work something out. And
finally Adrianne, thank you for being you. Although some people may find your disposition
bold, I admired that aspect of you, since not many people can truly be themselves
around everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although my summer at NYC has ended, that doesn’t mean the
ILC won’t hear from me. I plan on keeping in touch with as many people as
possible. Also for potential ILCers, don’t hesitate to ask me any questions. There’s
a reason as to why the ILC picked us as ambassadors for our community, so feel
free to ask for advice anytime. Once again thank you for the marvelous
experience!<o:p></o:p></div>Aurea Riborosohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211185258199423950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-35143640171759769102012-07-22T12:58:00.001-07:002012-07-29T20:20:30.331-07:00From the Mother of Adrianne Ramsey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It seems
like ages since Adrianne pushed the trunk lid open, grabbed her suitcase, and
joined her anxious, shivering cohort around 4:00 AM for their journey to The
Big Apple and a Columbia University summer program. Don Gosney's friendly, yet
informative presence, and Cheryl Lilhanand's polished attentiveness eased our
separation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Over the
course of weeks, I envied the variety of sumptuous dinner plates, drank in
eclectic photographic perspectives of various east coast towns and cities, and
commiserated with students as they put in long hours of critical reading, note
taking, rewrites, debate preparation, and daily blogs. Individual ILC student
blogs continue to relate the fascinating mix of social and academic activities
in which they participated. For example, I never knew a woman could devour 48
hot dogs in eight minutes at the Coney Island eating contest. There were just
29 competitive high school students in the Constitutional Law class at Columbia
University.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Members
of this cohort were not intimidated by subway nor train travel while in New
York. In many cases, this cohort responded to challenging or unusual situations
as a team. As a parent, I would like to take credit for the confidence my
daughter exuded during her ILC experience. However, I am sure her veteran
chaperone, Cheryl Lilhanand provided this group of ILC selected high school
students with the kind of preparatory advice, sage direction, and personal
accessibility that formed them into a consolidated cohort. I thank you, Cheryl,
for graciously managing with care my daughter and the rest of the ILC cohort
for a month in a mega-city at a prestigious university. I am most grateful that
you dealt with my concerns abouth the availability of the reading material with
such aplomb at an ungodly hour, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a
witness to the blood, sweat, tears, readjustments, advocations, inquiries,
refinements, and commitments of the team of dedicated public servants, private
individuals, professional businesses, and working men's and women's
institutions that continue to steward and fund The Ivy League Connection, I say
to all ILC parents and ILC cohorts that showing our nation's top educational
institutuions that West Contra Costa Unified School District students are
willing and able to compete and contribute in their academic programs is a good
thing! I am most thankful for the kind of program that showcases some of our
best and brightest. Thank you, to all of the people that make this possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, here is some brief advice
for the ILC cohorts: Education is like a bountiful meal. It is best shared with
others. Please find a way to share your academic and social experiences with
your peers. Let them know that it is all right to want to learn about the world
in some way, that is good to seek help for what is not understood, to stop by a
career center for college info, to attend a college presentation or two, to
join your community in making the environment better. It may seem bothersome,
yet you may be planting a good seed in the heart and soul of another.</span></div>Don Gosneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17110247579694408858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-43948180642157904802012-07-21T17:20:00.002-07:002012-07-28T21:14:31.161-07:00Missing New York CityI spent an entire month in the city that never sleeps. Where do I begin? Instead of writing chronologically, I'm going to write in sections with included sub-sections to help the reader follow better.<br />
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<b>A. Week One - College Tours, Dinners, Cohort Bonding </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Lucas, Aurea, and I in the limo on the way to the airport to leave to New York </i></b></td></tr>
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The first week of the trip was jam-packed. I knew Lucas from school, but I had only gotten few opportunities to talk to the other four members of our group at pre-summer ILC events. Fortunately, we were all able to get off on the right foot. <br />
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We toured five colleges - University of Pennsylvania, Sarah Lawrence College, Vassar College, Yale University, and New York University. I instantly fell in love with Sarah Lawrence and New York University, especially NYU, whose urban campus and academic excellence programs appealed to me. UPenn and Vassar didn't end up being fits for me, and while Yale excited me, I still couldn't see myself there. I really appreciated all the college tours. As a rising senior, I know what I'm looking for in a school - urban setting, middle to large sized campus, good extracurriculars and sports teams, and a great education system.<br />
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We also had three alumni dinners for UPenn, Vassar, and Yale. I really enjoyed meeting all the alums and gaining insight about the college application process. In addition, during my time in New York, I wrote the first draft of my personal statement and some of the alums reviewed my work and gave me pointers. Networking is an important concept to learn! People will always help you if you truly ask them to help.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF2b5V-aC_zK4CMuC9BptJ66eotwycC78LAJTBhdLkt4rc3Z_1BG29dt_FY45T9H02g9Ck2Szq2t8f3i-b1ZRDu6zJVgX8DsEY8Y1V1Q9_JdIBijCKAHalQ4Z7lerGCOUPSYF8kI7bQ7p/s1600/389139_3225443688857_1131574830_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF2b5V-aC_zK4CMuC9BptJ66eotwycC78LAJTBhdLkt4rc3Z_1BG29dt_FY45T9H02g9Ck2Szq2t8f3i-b1ZRDu6zJVgX8DsEY8Y1V1Q9_JdIBijCKAHalQ4Z7lerGCOUPSYF8kI7bQ7p/s320/389139_3225443688857_1131574830_n.jpg" width="180" /></i></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Ms. L with Angela, Yohanna Pepa's roommate at Yale </i></b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>1. Roommates/Dorm Life </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lucas, Lenny, Morvarid, Aurea, Tomi, and I entered Columbia and were checked into the dorms. All of us except for Morvarid were in Carman Hall. Ms. L helped us find our dorms and we split up into different floors. I was quickly welcomed by my RA, Kristen. I then met my other four suitemates: Nas from Washington, D.C., Tori from New Jersey, Sangela from Hong Kong, Jennifer from Ohio, and Nathalie from Lebanon. Nathalie was my roommate, and Nas and Tori were in the room next to us. Jennifer and Sangela were roomed in the connecting suite. I soon met the other girls on my floor, who were all happy to be there and very welcoming.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Floor nights really helped me unwind and not worry about my work or the stress of the program. We would watch movies or TV shows, play cards, paint our nails, dance, eat pizza at midnight, and talk about our backgrounds. I would also take breaks from my homework to explain American economics to Nathalie, who was taking a business/economics course, and help her with her English. Everyone on my floor was really nice and welcoming.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>2. Rules/RA Trips </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Columbia program is fun but very, very strict. Curfew is taken very seriously. If you are one minute late, you are "grounded" and your curfew is set an hour earlier for the next night. The punishment worsens for each minute you are late. I did not agree with this strict policy, but followed it accordingly, and was never late to curfew. Security guards are posted in every residence hall, and each time you enter one, you have to have your security card swiped. Commuter students and guests weren't allowed in the dorms, and if rules were consistently broken students could be easily expelled. A boy was expelled the first week for being drunk on campus. This may sound daunting, but in all honesty the rules were easy to follow.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since there is so much to do in New York City, the RAs went on trips just about every day! I participated in a couple of lunch/dinner clubs, went to the Museum of Natural History, witnessed 4th of July fireworks, saw Maroon 5 perform at the Today Show, and watched War Horse on Broadway! While all of these trips were expensive and expended my limited money, it was very worth it. I definitely gained new life experiences by going on RA trips. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>3. Constitutional Law - Overview </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm very personable and love to participate in class, especially history class, but this course was a different experience for me. I have high confidence so I won't say I was intimidated, but I was definitely surprised at the amount of high-level debaters and intellectuals in our class. I participated as best as I could and felt I did well, but I will say some of those intellectuals definitely stumped me and were great at shooting their hands into the air before everyone else. Nevertheless, I loved our discussions.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The class was split into morning and afternoon sessions. In the morning session, we would discuss the Supreme Court cases we read the previous night, which also led into a lecture and vocabulary overview. We had a fantastic reader and textbook that examined the flaws in the governmental system. During the afternoon session, we would either watch films, play constitutional jeopardy, participate in debates, or have another lecture. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My team never won constitutional jeopardy, but I had fun nonetheless. The debates were a different story. I liked preparing for debates but never really had a good time participating in them. By the end of the course, I realized debating wasn't for me and I enjoyed watching one rather than participating. The films we watched in class were riveting. I learned about the Pentagon Papers, the Supreme Court system, and 9/11 Detainee camps. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Going to the Southern District Court was another great adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Federal Judge Nathan and witnessing a case being presented in a court. It's all very different from television.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I learned so much from this course and was sad when it ended. I really enjoy political science and American history, and this was a perfect follow up from AP United States History and a great introduction to the United States Government. It was fascinating to see how much the Constitution has changed over time and scary to realize how contradictory and wrong our presidential administrations can be behind closed doors. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One thing I especially learned from this class was this: I don't want to be a lawyer. Am I interested in political science majors and possibly becoming a law professor? Sure. But I can't argue for cases that I don't agree with. I have core values and trust me, I'll always stick to them. I don't like debating. I realized how much more I enjoy learning about the philosophical aspects of the cases and governmental system and writing legal arguments. I am grateful that I was able to discover my interests now instead of making a mistake in college and learning it then.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>4. Research Paper </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Similar to Presidential Powers, we had to write a research paper for this course. However, there was a six page limit and not a 25 page one (thank goodness). The topic I chose was whether or not United States presidents should be allowed more powers during the case of a national emergency. My answer was a straight-up NO. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I poured my heart and soul (literally) into this paper and proved my point by using Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, and George W. Bush. I stated that President Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, interning Japanese, Italian, and German Americans during World War II, was unconstitutional because it violated the internee's civil liberties. President Johnson's continuous lies to the American public should have been considered a violation of the first amendment since the lies prompted a clear and present danger to the American public by sparking American anti-war riots and protests. Finally, President Bush's Patriot Act violates the first, fourth, and fifth amendments of the United States constitution by stripping Americans of several civil liberties. All of these past presidential decisions in times of National Emergency are unconstitutional, along with many, many more. I could've written a whole novel on my stance. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I received an A- on the paper and was satisfied. I agreed with the comments citing refinement that my professor gave me, and realized how much I enjoy writing legal arguments. At first I thought it would be difficult because I've only written moral arguments in the past. However, I proved myself wrong and found how easily the words poured out from within me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>5. Friends! </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I spent the majority of my time at Columbia with Morvarid, Aurea, Tomi, Lucas, and our two wonderful friends Rowland and Brittany. Rowland is from Los Angeles and Brittany is from Texas. Over the course of our trip, we had all our meals together and went to amazing places (Brooklyn Bridge with Rowland, retail shopping at Forever 21 with Brittany). I'm so glad I met them and had a fantastic time with them; I really did value Columbia HSP and it would not have been half as enjoyable if they weren't there.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Retail Shopping Time/Charlie's Angles </i></b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This was my 2nd year participating in the Ivy League Connection. Last summer I took Women and Leadership at Brown University, a much different experience than Columbia HSP. As a sophomore, I began to figure out what I liked in a school and what I wanted to study. But as a junior, I definitely know. Some people may call me and the other 2nd-year's selfish for doing this program again, but I dismiss their comments and am glad I did this again because I learned so much more about myself and about college. I realized I will always be a writer, born and bred, but that I'm more into a school's specific writing major, such as Creative Writing, more than the specific English major. I also realized how much I want to continue with political science. When I got home I narrowed down my lists of colleges. Let me tell you, it's a pretty big list! I know I still have searching to do. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I definitely enjoyed my time in New York City. It was a wonderful experience. But when I started looking at my college list, I was not sure if I would apply to Columbia. I'm still deciding. While Columbia is a wonderful school, their Core Curriculum is too rigid and confined to me. I want to be able to take the classes I want to take when I am in college. There are also more factors, but the Core Curriculum is the main one. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At this point, I am looking into <span style="font-size: small;">Brown University, New York University's Gallatin School of <span style="font-size: small;">Individualized Study, Boston University's College of Arts and Sciences, and Sarah Lawrence College, as w<span style="font-size: small;">ell as other colleges/universi<span style="font-size: small;">ties spread throughout the nation. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Times Square at night </i></b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<i>Ms. L</i>: Thank you for being the greatest chaperone and surrogate mother I've ever had! This trip would not have been the same without your strict but understanding rules, making sure we were all fed and getting enough sleep, and taking us to wonderful places. Best chaperone EVER, by far. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<i>Jeffrey Lenowitz and Luke MacInnis</i>: My two wonderful professors. I learned so much from the both of you and I thank you for helping me realize how much I love political science. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<i>2012 Columbia Cohort</i>: I love you all! Thanks for being some of the greatest friends I've met. We may've had bumps along the road but I'm grateful we were all able to solve them in a calm and civil manner and keep on going from there. You are all wonderful people and I'm glad I met you guys.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<i>Don Gosney</i>: Thank you for really instilling the importance of replying to emails in me. If you don't reply, people will think you are wasting their time and even their investments in you. You put so much into the program, supplying us with loaner items (without that ethernet cord I would've died since Columbia has NO WIFI IN THEIR DORMS -.-) and taking gorgeous pictures of us. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<i>Dad</i> (I'm sorry, I can't call you Mr. Ramsey. Too formal! =D): Thank you for instilling the importance of good work, education, timeliness, and manners in me. Without these four concepts I would not be the person I am today. You put in so much effort and work in the program, which inspires me to work hard. And to dispell all the rumors, yes, my father does get a good amount of sleep at night. All of Ramsey's do. Seriously! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<i>Madeline Kronenberg</i>: Thank you so much for flying to New York to check up on us, go out to dinner with us, and see Vassar and Yale with us. I really enjoyed our conversations and your persistence that we bring something back to the community. I've been talking with a couple others at my high school and they think that doing an ILC information booth at Club Day would be a great help to the program. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<i>ILC Sponsors</i>: I can't thank you enough for putting in so much money for the program. This is truly a wonderful program and without my Brown and Columbia experiences, I have no idea where I would be now. A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-<i>Mom and Monica (my younger sister)</i>: Thanks for all the emails and phone calls with words of encouragement and wisdom. All the reminders to not stress and get enough sleep at night were very helpful. Love you both! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>E. Finale! </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My time in the ILC has been bittersweet and I am sad that it is over. But no worries, I won't be gone! If anybody has any questions/comments about Brown, Columbia, or the ILC, please feel free to send me an email or leave a comment on this blog. I'd really appreciate it and would love to help anyone in need. These past two summers have been the best.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>Grazie! </u></i></b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtWvkXqsGWE-ryzaYmQ3-qGec_cB6998RCKixoQdDHnVcOfZ5aMCPSDPtRXL0JeY-vHGxJF4LXjJY_t7tQuW1T0GsbXTcHdWh6xXZjuqHgLAE1qmtQpgjdZBxzQpM5U-gHJtJECsFYQfg/s1600/548197_3011912315445_1897981058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtWvkXqsGWE-ryzaYmQ3-qGec_cB6998RCKixoQdDHnVcOfZ5aMCPSDPtRXL0JeY-vHGxJF4LXjJY_t7tQuW1T0GsbXTcHdWh6xXZjuqHgLAE1qmtQpgjdZBxzQpM5U-gHJtJECsFYQfg/s320/548197_3011912315445_1897981058_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>2012 ILC Columbia Cohort (from left to right: Aurea, Tomi, Lenny, me, Lucas, and Morvarid)</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Adrianne Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445321546760633865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-16515158271194213592012-07-15T02:03:00.002-07:002012-07-15T02:03:32.684-07:00HomeI stayed up pretty late last night, so I had trouble working efficiently this morning. I didn't wake up early enough to go grab breakfast, so I just packed my bags and headed down to the gazebo to meet with Ms. L. I had a sinking feeling all day that I left something in my room. So far, I haven't noticed anything missing, so it was probably just nerves. After spending a month away from home, it's easy to feel unprepared to return.<br />
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When we had all assembled, we took a couple of cabs to get back to the Beacon Hotel, where Ms. L. was staying. We dropped off our bags in her room, and set off for Central Park.<br />
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This was my first time going inside the park. It was really cool, but very crowded. We only went in a little ways before reaching our destination: The Boat House Restaurant. The deck we were tabled on sat right in front of a lake, filled with rowboats and wildlife; it was a fantastic view. I had a brunch of fried eggs and sausages. I think they specialized in Italian food, but they had all kinds of meals for breakfast.<br />
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We spent some time strolling through the park after eating. I wish I could have taken pictures, but my camera was in my backpack, and my backpack was in Ms. Lilhanand's room.<br />
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Eventually, we made our back to the hotel and loaded our stuff into a shuttle for the airport.<br />
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I'm not going to go into detail about either the airport or the flight. We're all familiar with the hassle of flying, and I doubt anyone wants me to explain the mundane. I will say though, that we spent about twenty minutes trading things to carry, before the flight; some people's luggage was overweight, so they had to store some of their items with other students. Other than that, everything was pretty standard.<br />
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We arrived in San Francisco at about 8:00 PM. I expected that we would be in the middle of picking up our luggage, when parents would start to arrive; I was wrong. When we came down to the baggage claim, everyone was already there, waiting for us with signs and flowers (My mom got leis for everyone). It's hard to believe that this was my first time seeing my family in almost a month. There were a lot of hugs and "thank you"s before we all went our separate ways. It's weird being away from my cohort, now. I know I'll see them all again (especially Morvarid and Aurea), but it's still unsettling.<br />
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The ride home felt amazing. I can't believe how much I missed the Bay Area: the trees, the architecture, the water, the rolling fog bank, etc. Everything about it lets me know I'm home again. <br />
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My cat didn't seem to care about my reappearance. He walked right past me when I came home, and barely took notice of my presence. I think I need to get a dog.<br />
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My dad made hamburgers for us for dinner. I spent a few hours just talking with my parents, about the trip, before heading to my room. I can't remember the last time I had time to myself like this.<br />
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I want to take this moment to thank the ILC for all that they have done for me. I'd like to thank Ms. Lilhanand for all of her support before and during this trip. She was a fantastic chaperone, and always a pleasure to travel with. I'd like to thank Don Gosney, Madeline Kronenberg and Charles Ramsey for making this program possible. They've put in a tremendous amount of effort to keep it going,and I really appreciate it. I also want to thank the sponsors. Without having ever met us, these people made the determination to be our benefactors. It's that kind of selflessness that shows the true good in people. Lastly, I'd like to thank the parents, as well as my fellow classmates. I'm so glad I got to share this experience with you guys. It's really meant the world to me, and I'll remember this trip for the rest of my life. <br />
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Goodbye, New York. Welcome home.Leonard Eisenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16039054560096365772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-47767496675953784442012-07-15T01:55:00.004-07:002012-07-15T12:05:23.172-07:00Welcome Home LuckiMan, I am exhausted. I have done more in the past few weeks than I usually do all summer. It's not just cumulative exhaustion, though, I happen to be very tired at this moment due to lack of sleep. Due to the fact that Friday was our last night in the city, and that Saturday the last day with many of the friends we've made recently, I tried to cram as much as I possibly could into the few hours I had left. When I say cram in a lot into very little time, I mean that I stayed out almost until 12 in the city Friday night and stayed up until 3 with my friends, simply because it was our last night together. <br />
<br />That's not all, though; after blogging and going to sleep at 5, I slept only one hour and woke up at 5:45 AM to go out to the gazebo and meet some of the friends that I've made the past three weeks. We were all delirious with lack of sleep, talking running around playing soccer at 6:30 AM, but the reasoning behind getting up at this ungodly hour is perfectly sound, in my opinion. From 6 AM, we have about 3-6 hours (people's planes left at different times) left to spend on Columbia's campus, and, this being the last time (for a while) that you will see many of these people, why would you spend those hours sleeping? Ideas about getting up early don't sound as nice in the morning, though. My roommate was actually the one who annoyed me enough into getting up; my initial reaction was to pull the covers over my head and tell him to gout by himself, but he annoyed me enough into being too awake to go back to sleep, and by then, the idea sounded much nicer. So there were about 8-10 of us, some heading to Spain, some to Utah, and some just across the Hudson River, and we all stumbled out under the gray morning sky into the quad and just sat talking, laughing, and running around. The experience had a sad truth behind it, the fact that we would be seeing each other again for a very long time, but we were all happy and soaking up as much fun as we could get out of our final hours together. I would spend the rest of the day with about as much energy as a sloth, (according to Jose, one of the kids out there with me, a sloth spends 22 hours of the day sleeping, 1 hour eating, and 1 hour looking for a place to sleep) but getting up at 6 AM was well worth it. <br />
<br />At about 7:45 AM, I left these friends and went back up to my room to pack. I had not started, of course. I began organizing everything I had in the room, and once everything was organized and on my bed, I began the tedious and complicated process of stuffing double-the-size-of-my-suitcase worth of stuff into my suitcase. At about 9:45, I was done. I went down the hallway, upstairs, and all around saying my goodbyes, which were very tough. Finally, I said goodbye to my room/suite mates, who turned out to be some of the coolest people I have ever met, and who I'm sure I will stay very close with even as the years pass and the long distance keeps us apart. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PH2rhgSucRVfl_-SzxZaV4iY1Dl2dxzpTl0zYWTz5jDMblBUnrd2K_iciA7gVmC3-DtprAfrzWaJigEK-m2BcvBWnywy6qYkvO5Uzv0ETLj3huDFmbCtSKfVhe-yAFGnPnjfJ9UmGw/s1600/IMG_1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PH2rhgSucRVfl_-SzxZaV4iY1Dl2dxzpTl0zYWTz5jDMblBUnrd2K_iciA7gVmC3-DtprAfrzWaJigEK-m2BcvBWnywy6qYkvO5Uzv0ETLj3huDFmbCtSKfVhe-yAFGnPnjfJ9UmGw/s320/IMG_1834.JPG" width="320" /></a>Later, after meeting with the cohort and leaving our bags at the hotel, we went to Central Park for a nice walk and brunch by one of Central Park's many beautiful lakes. Central Park, as usual, was gorgeous, and the spot at which we chose to sit down and have brunch was simply amazing. The restaurant jutted out onto the lake, and sitting down to have brunch there was a very scenic way to end our trip. After brunch, we slowly walked back to the hotel. We stopped once at a fountain, where I would fall asleep sitting down with my elbows on my knees and my face in my hands, and once in a shady area near Strawberry Fields, where I fell asleep on the park bench as we rested. Apparently I looked funny enough that the guy selling water nearby took a picture of me as I slept. I was out cold; I had turned into a sloth for the day and no longer had much energy for anything.</div>
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After returning to the hotel for a little while, we all got into the van that would take us to the airport. I slept (again) on the ride to the airport, although this time I can say that the six of us all slept. The rest was kind of a blur, not because airport life moves so quickly (on the contrary) but because I was so tired and because airport activities can kind of put make your mind shut down. We boarded the flight, and after takeoff, I decided that I would go to sleep as soon as I was allowed to get my sweatshirt out of the overhead bin (maybe 10 minutes into the flight). Instead, I was unable to make it even 10 minutes without falling asleep, and I woke up about 20 minutes later with drool on my shirt. If I am not careful about how I sleep, I always end up drooling on myself. Always. Of course, on planes, I am careful to make sure I don't do this, but this time I hadn't expected to fall asleep.<br />
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After putting on my sweatshirt, I fell asleep again, only to be woken by Adrianne telling me that drinks were coming around. Basically, I drank my water and ate my chips for a few minutes and then went back to sleep. I woke up once for some strange reason, but aside from that, I slept undisturbed for a good 4 and a half to 5 hours. It was an exhausted sleep, and I did not dream. When I woke up, we were about 20 minutes outside of San Francisco.<br />
<br />My mom was jumping and down, my sister waving a poster she had made, and everyone showing a general sense of excitement, but the feeling that washed over me at that point was relief. It's not that I needed to be saved from anything; these have been some of the the greatest three weeks of my life, but I really really missed my family and my home here in the Bay Area. I know that I love New York City, and I love Washington DC, and I love the East Coast in general, but the Bay Area is my home, and always will be. Even if it greets me with some 60-degree summer weather and a blanket of fog. <br />
<br />Anyway, I hugged my family, smiled and laughed with everyone, and after taking some photos, said my goodbyes to everyone. I talked with my family the entire ride home, and we went out to dinner, and now here I am, sitting in my room tucked into my nice warm bed. The windows are not open. I am wearing sweatpants, not shorts, and I am tucked under multiple blankets, not just a white sheet. Yet, even as I'm now adjusting back to the arctic summers of the Bay Area, I feel at home, and for that I am happy. My family is only a few feet away, and I feel relieved.<br />
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<br />And I guess that sort of concludes my Ivy League Connection studying and traveling experience. I don't feel I am done, as I will remain involved over the next few months trying to share what I've learned with others, and in a few years hopefully, trying to cheer my sister on as she pursues her dreams studying somewhere her in the East Coast. It was a truly amazing experience. I'm searching for the right words to describe this, but so much has gone on in my life the past four weeks, that no one set of words could sum up what we've done and how it has affected us. I'd like to first thank my family, who supported me, talked to me and cheered me on through this entire process. Even 3,000 miles away, I never felt far from their love. I would also like to thank Aurea, Morvarid, Adrianne, Tomi, Lenny and Mrs. L, who were the main reason these three weeks were so much fun! I often forgot I was here to study or to tour colleges or learn, with some of the laughs we shared on train, the subway, while at dinner. You guys all made this awesome. Most of all, though, I'd like to thank the donors and all those who help to run the Ivy League Connection. As cliched as it may sound, this literally would have been only a dream and would never have happened without you. The money and the time invested in us has provided a supporting hand to me, to all my fellow students, and to our community. To reach out your hand to us comes with no self-interest; it is solely for the purpose of changing the lives of others, and as one of those lucky enough to benefit, I say thank you.<br />
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Well, I guess that's it. My Dad already walked into my room and found me asleep with this laptop in my hands, but I guess I've made it to the end awake. I am looking back, and while the journey was amazing, I believe it ended appropriately. I am happy.Lucas Lochner Bravohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004585928479695548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-27008970435792483362012-07-15T01:39:00.004-07:002012-07-15T11:23:04.574-07:00It's Only Just the Beginning; This Isn't a Goodbye, It Is a New Greeting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDT2cnx3kky5SfT2tDCFetHwvQvkxSkk53gSki8nHr1AWYyMQf46l96EZumz5BTfhiocA2OunJdccO1Rpxbha-qHbqq8E1LgSzxkAJ2CavwOoK7hyphenhyphenV7XfZnvJig6xqlVSCrGtlvadfeo/s1600/MM.14.13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDT2cnx3kky5SfT2tDCFetHwvQvkxSkk53gSki8nHr1AWYyMQf46l96EZumz5BTfhiocA2OunJdccO1Rpxbha-qHbqq8E1LgSzxkAJ2CavwOoK7hyphenhyphenV7XfZnvJig6xqlVSCrGtlvadfeo/s320/MM.14.13.JPG" width="320" /></a>Well, what can I say, time flies. Just yesterday I was leaving the San Francisco airport, awaiting the spectacular Columbia University. Today, I walked backwards from the same gate I went through last month on our way to New York, and we were greeted with family, flowers, signs, and lots of proud, loving support. It was like we were going back in time and taking steps backwards from where we stood just a month ago. That feeling of success, however, was not as blossomed as it was today. That was a new feeling. Walking down the escalator to a group of smiling faces, each congratulating you with enthusiasm and passion, each proud of you for all of your accomplishments; that was a new feeling. It was a feeling I would have never experienced today if it wasn't for the generous and amazing sponsors that made this happen. I cannot stress this enough,<b> thank you so so much.</b><br />
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This trip has meant so much to me, it would be impossible for me to explain with words the extent of it's importance. The experiences, the people, the school, the <i>world</i>, it was all something I would have never been introduced to without <u>you.</u> Today, the first thing I did was walk up to Mr.Ramsey, hug him, and thank him dearly for this opportunity. However, since the sponsors were not there today, I am hoping at least one of you reads this blog post right now because I would really like to spread the message of appreciation. I can assure you that although I am back from the experience at home, I am still not done. This is not a "goodbye" for me, but rather a "hello" to a whole new thing. With the experiences that I have acquired, I will be using them to help other students in my community. This starts now, and I will soon update the Ivy League Connection with the initiatives I will take in both my school and my community. It is now time that the Ivy League Connection students emerge as leaders and make a change.<br />
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This morning, I felt like it was just another day and that it would be impossible for me to leave the new school I have fallen this much in love with. I felt like it would be unlikely that I leave behind all the new, amazing, and diverse students I have met. Although I wished this was true at least, the time had come and it was finally the day to depart. <b>But,</b> we did not just <i>leave. </i>Of course, we needed a nice way to end of one of the most memorable times of our lives. Thus, Mrs.L decided we all eat brunch at the boathouse in central park. What can I say, it was<b> beautiful. </b>The delicious food, the company of my amazing cohort, the green trees, the glistening lake, and the boats that gently touched upon the smooth waters behind us all painted an image in my head that I will never forget.<br />
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After our lovely brunch, we all walked back slowly trying to enjoy each other's company for the longest time possible in Manhattan. On our way, I noticed a gentleman who could tell a lot about a person's identity and personality with simply their handwriting. He was an amazingly talented individual whom in fact worked with a lot of large business corporations like NBC, for example (who paid him more than $1000 just last week). He charged $35 dollars for analyzing the customer handwriting right there on the spot, but for me he only charged $10.<br />
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I was really interested because I had read a lot of books about that when I was younger. Not only books about that, but also about numerology. Overall, I'm a really curious person you can say, so I often look into a lot of different things. Adrianne thought I was weird because according to her, "I get fascinated too much by many things." I guess that may be true, but it's just the world around me that fascinates me as a whole. Either way, nothing stopped me from trying out something new today and allowing the gentleman to analyze my handwriting and tell me what he knows about who I am as a person. Everyone left us, but my friend Aurea stayed behind with me and ultimately decided to try it out as well.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1eQzZxjlx_F7Sly_7b6UZQt32EbGAMIWMqBrwydbkFTX-NMtwSozaNIfRUEJHZ7OUZsBHg6-DbNLPAWUrN4QIWjPdzpZsRsm7BOmF8rQIoiBBGHUx4cFc1IM09lfW44L3AnPW8soQXs/s1600/MM.14.9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1eQzZxjlx_F7Sly_7b6UZQt32EbGAMIWMqBrwydbkFTX-NMtwSozaNIfRUEJHZ7OUZsBHg6-DbNLPAWUrN4QIWjPdzpZsRsm7BOmF8rQIoiBBGHUx4cFc1IM09lfW44L3AnPW8soQXs/s320/MM.14.9.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
He handed me a notebook filled with hand-writings of previous customers. He flipped through them shortly, telling me, "This is years of practice and experience." He instructed me to sit down and just write whatever I pleased. It wasn't really what I wrote, it was the way I wrote it that was important to him. Thus, I wrote a few lines in cursive and a few in print and handed the notebook to Aurea for her to write her message as well. After she was done, he pulled us aside to privately speak to us. He began with me. Let me just start out by saying how every single thing he said, including the most minuscule detail was absolutely accurate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DhAWtW98vBopf6EAX8vQSmoZaVexEMbK_WvI9xf_eif9lU6bM0woDFXsUQDF9C5TLTNwu5eckrhw7o8k3zP5m2wG2Tg3u48TbrvhjDGh-FOAGrvRsYfrDRtbb92uneoGhPZr47AFBB8/s1600/MM.14.8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DhAWtW98vBopf6EAX8vQSmoZaVexEMbK_WvI9xf_eif9lU6bM0woDFXsUQDF9C5TLTNwu5eckrhw7o8k3zP5m2wG2Tg3u48TbrvhjDGh-FOAGrvRsYfrDRtbb92uneoGhPZr47AFBB8/s320/MM.14.8.JPG" width="320" /></a>I wish I recorded him at least, he just talked to me about my personality for a very long time and I don't remember every single thing he said so I could share with you all. He started out by saying that I am a very special and complex individual. He said that I have a perfect balance between my mind and my heart and that is a very very rare. Only 5% of individuals in this world possess that certain personality that allows them to not just think with their head or think only with emotions, but have an absolutely perfect balance between the two. He told me about how diplomatic I am, how I am so creative with such a vision that others may not have. He said how I am not materialistic and that if I find someone I love, that's all that matters to me and that's all it takes to make me happy. For some reason he spent a lot of time talking about that and a male figure in my life, which was kind of weird to be honest but still interesting. He told me how I am very powerful but behind a certain shield I hold, I can be very vulnerable and I need someone to protect me. He told me about how loving and caring I am and how I have so much energy that whenever I walk into a room, I bring that energy with me and lift up people's moods. He told me how I would be a perfect surgeon and do very well in science, which I was particularly excited to hear because being a surgeon is my dream and science is my passion. Speaking of passion, he also told me how much of a passionate person I am. He told me about how easily I open up to people and how outgoing I am. He spoke to Aurea and I about how much we should value our friendship and how we should never let something in between us because we both have characteristics that would complete each other, being a perfect team. Surprisingly, he didn't see much bad characteristics in me while doing his analysis, the most major flaw I had was my vulnerability I guess. He just constantly repeated, "You have a beautiful personality." I know I'm stating everything he said very generally, but he went into a lot more detail about everything and said a lot more than what I just mention; I'm just summarizing as a whole. Overall, if you don't take my word, take Aurea's. 99.99% of everything he said about both of us was right on point and absolutely true. It was truly amazing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and older sister.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKRtAxyymnihX99kO3vQSo2ZrkC_6LA2Y13GFjJnV1Z-ebs7xu1H5UgkDZvopix1hv6WVJ9DkL6ejz8f9hb4L7NZaXgq7v3-ndkMGUv1j_S0zMompUgUaz4exwJq13AiC4HrvPZp10eg/s1600/MM.14.16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKRtAxyymnihX99kO3vQSo2ZrkC_6LA2Y13GFjJnV1Z-ebs7xu1H5UgkDZvopix1hv6WVJ9DkL6ejz8f9hb4L7NZaXgq7v3-ndkMGUv1j_S0zMompUgUaz4exwJq13AiC4HrvPZp10eg/s320/MM.14.16.JPG" width="238" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvW6_JfdRwBLtWWuzR0B1kBW_YAMO2aUGt-q3pFJYEuNqVt-ZZ2ELoZSeiOqtJJYeO9UbtiMH56xhiZlOOP1wKyb6QGR6ivj7u0xVDkiwmDyIHYii1On4RkUWMmeJWD4Y5_ICQx2Vr44/s1600/MM.14.17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvW6_JfdRwBLtWWuzR0B1kBW_YAMO2aUGt-q3pFJYEuNqVt-ZZ2ELoZSeiOqtJJYeO9UbtiMH56xhiZlOOP1wKyb6QGR6ivj7u0xVDkiwmDyIHYii1On4RkUWMmeJWD4Y5_ICQx2Vr44/s320/MM.14.17.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mee1xJX6CK3YKjR2gyIdKyJLVWV1sayyK7DBzVSZKsoPijXQNCViuOhAYspw1cpjLLJdQN84rxSwG-PR5-wVSBhlCjwjvCZiFZqCzPUFtVHYJEXwkfKxS3jciBLGcoTi0sR2rvG2Wkc/s1600/MM.14.14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mee1xJX6CK3YKjR2gyIdKyJLVWV1sayyK7DBzVSZKsoPijXQNCViuOhAYspw1cpjLLJdQN84rxSwG-PR5-wVSBhlCjwjvCZiFZqCzPUFtVHYJEXwkfKxS3jciBLGcoTi0sR2rvG2Wkc/s320/MM.14.14.JPG" width="320" /></a>We walked away this evening mind boggled and amazed, but weren't we already due to all the new experiences we had encountered this past month? I can't believe it's already over, I'm going to miss everyone so much. Mrs.L is basically like family to me now, and I really can't wait until the next time I can see her again. Nonetheless, my cohort all have a special place in my heart, they too are like family. I lived with them all for an entire month and I can truly say that they have been the ones that made this experience even more special. We will all definitely meet up soon for a reunion!<br />
The amazing friends I made at Columbia University, I will never forget them and I have promised to always keep in touch with them. The Ivy League Connection and the sponsors who made this possible, my endless appreciation will never die off. Last but not least, Columbia University. Where I now call home, I will come back for you. For now, I only dream to stay longer. Whether or not that dream comes true is now up to the admission officers.<br />
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I have now returned to El Sobrante, California, and I have been welcomed back with a surprise. My parents have remodeled my room for me and bought me a whole new bed with accessories! At home, my family was waiting for me to give me a warm welcome back home and my mom had prepared a nice dinner for us all. She knew how much I had missed a home cooked meal, and I was so delighted to be around my loving family once again. I hadn't had my mom's amazing Persian food for weeks, so I can honestly say I was excited to eat dinner at home.<br />
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Overall, today was a very touching day surrounded by loved ones and close friends. Although our trip is over, the experiences will all last a life time, the memories will stay young forever, and the message will be sent across our community endlessly. Giving back is the most important aspect of this trip; it is only just the beginning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGdpMxPTUHT0fr7VaLVWLaXm8oIQnxDpTzE-VTFmHQbQBCsaBamjUD7YGODaGiWB6Q_HGgF-yglgW48ueIBPjbzYS7gBfrXVvQbe8oOSS9eJQddtADdNKBNkaRxsyZkWuMjOV7CE-9to/s1600/MM.14.11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGdpMxPTUHT0fr7VaLVWLaXm8oIQnxDpTzE-VTFmHQbQBCsaBamjUD7YGODaGiWB6Q_HGgF-yglgW48ueIBPjbzYS7gBfrXVvQbe8oOSS9eJQddtADdNKBNkaRxsyZkWuMjOV7CE-9to/s320/MM.14.11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little cousin bought two birds before I left, now that I'm back, they have left two eggs. <br />
Could this possibly mean something?</td></tr>
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<br />Morvarid Mehdizadehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11651411189509618211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-31106911441327647682012-07-15T00:36:00.003-07:002012-07-15T00:38:25.195-07:00Tackled at the Airport<div style="text-align: justify;">
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It’s unimaginable to know that I’m back in the Bay Area.
Back to my family. Back to my friends. Back to my house. Back to my mother’s
cooking. Back to my little sisters’ banter. Back to my room. Back to my bed.
And most of all, back home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I awoke at 7:30 AM to obtain my laundry from last night,
the impact of my departure started within my gut. Folding my clothes, I was
allowed some thinking time to reflect upon my time in New York. Never before
did I expect this experience to change my mind about my future. I’ve been
immersed by many different people, from those I can tolerate to those I can
develop strong relations with. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So after my last shower in the Columbia dorm, on the
eleventh floor of the Carman building, I was interrupted through my changing
and packing by a knock at my door. To my pleasant surprise, it was Brittany,
the Texan girl I befriended at the program. She informed me that she was
leaving for the day to be with her mother who flew in the night prior, so I
said my good-byes in my room. I granted- yes, granted, because I don’t hug
people often outside of my family- her a very affectionate hug. That good-bye
was probably our last, unless I decide to go to Texas one day. Hopefully we’ll
all keep in touch with her and teach her a few more things about California
slang. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A last minute look to my ex-dorm and a talk with my
residential advisor Jennifer, and I was heading down to meet the rest of my
cohorts at the university entrance near Amsterdam. There I saw Morvarid, Tomi,
Adrianne, and Rowland, the SoCal boy we befriended at the program. We all
waited patiently for the others to arrive, first Ms. L then Lenny and Lucas.
Following a few last minute pictures at the gazebo, of the cohort and Rowland
of course, we said our good-byes. If Rowland were to ever come to the Bay Area,
or we were to go to the Los Angeles area, we all promised to contact each
other. As where Brittany lives in Texas, Rowland is only a few hours away from
us; therefore seeing Rowland is more doable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We grabbed a cab to the Beacon Hotel, where our adventures
began. While sitting in the lobby I was reminded of our daily meetings in the
same room to congregate for all the fancy dinners during the first week. It’s
amazing to know that was only a few weeks ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After waiting for a few minutes for everyone to come back
down, we then headed down to Central Park to have brunch. The walk there was
quiet, whether it be from fatigue or deep thoughts, only each person will know.
Well at least for me it was more thinking, taking in my surroundings and
knowing that I won’t see this part of the country for a while. We then entered
Central Park to have brunch at the Boathouse. The view from our table was
beautiful- well at least mine since I sat directly facing the lake. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As brunch ended, we killed some time by relaxing at the
park. While everyone else was enjoying the sights, Morvarid and I had a vender
analyze our handwriting to evaluate our personalities. At first I thought he
would just generalize our personalities but what surprised me was the way he
was able to interpret us accurately. He was able to reveal aspects about myself
that I did not expose during our talk. So after a probing talk, we relaxed even
further on a few park benches. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And then we departed for the airport. After my good-bye to
New York, I boarded the plane to welcome the Bay Area with open arms. The plane
ride was faster than the first time, which is very peculiar since the first
ride was shorter. During the first few hours, we all knocked out once the plane
was in the air. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A few hours later and I was jumping with excitement in my
seat. After twenty-six days in New York City, I’ve finally arrived at SFO.
Coming home and getting the kind of welcome home greeting was the highlight of
my day. Prior to my arrival, my best friend Lynda informed me that she couldn’t
meet and greet me at the airport. When I heard the news, I wasn’t that bothered
because she explained it was a family issue. But to my pleasant surprise she
was there to greet me – well more like tackled and hugged me to the ground. There
we were, two Asian girls on the floor, one laughing and one tearing up. You can
probably tell which one I was. That surprise and the greetings I received from
my family members made it all the better. Not only did I receive greetings from
my family- yes I count my best friend as family- but from parents of the ILC
cohorts. So after our good-byes and hugs to each other- Adrianne was excited
that I finally hugged her- we all went our separate ways. But this is not
good-bye for any of us; some time, whether it be sooner or later we will
reunite. I will be eternally grateful to the people who made this trip possible; Mr. Ramsey, Don Gosney, Ms. Kronenberg, Ms. L and of course the sponsors. This experience was once in a life time; now I can check the ILC off
my bucket list!<o:p></o:p></div>Aurea Riborosohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211185258199423950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-40629393499697141652012-07-15T00:05:00.001-07:002012-07-15T00:05:53.662-07:00Thank You, Everyone<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I felt as though my goodbyes today were somewhat lacking; I realize that I'm not the best at speaking, which may have made my words sound half-hearted or insincere. Therefore, I have decided to make a separate blog to express my gratitude. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Adrianne: Thank you for being yourself. Your personality is certainly one of a kind and I'm sure that this trip wouldn't have been half as fun without you. It was an honor to be your PA and your friend. Grazie!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Lucas: Thank you for being the sincere, level-headed person that you are. Without you, I'm not sure how this group could have gone more than 5 minutes without bickering. It was also a pleasure to be bale to sit next to you in class! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Lenny: Thank you for making me laugh so many times. Your humor is one of your best traits, and it was certainly one of the mainly things that made this trip so enjoyable. Also, please thank your mom for the lei necklaces--they were really beautiful!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Aurea: Thank you for being so outspoken and honest--it made talking with you is always fun, especially today's plane ride. Good luck being an aeronautical engineer! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Morvarid: Thank you for being so cheery and sweet. I think that you're a really amazing person, and I hope that you'll be able to become I surgeon like you dreamed!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Mrs. L: Thank you for taking care of us and being so patient, even when we weren't exactly the most well-behaved kids in the world. Your contribution to Ivy League Connection Program is greatly appreciated!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I would also like to thank all of the friends that I made, my classmates, and of course, my professors, Luke and Jeffery. You guys are what made my school experience so spectacular. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">And I would especially like to thank the Ivy League Connection
and its generous sponsors for making this entire trip possible. Thanks to them, I was able to meet so many fantastic people and learn many, many things both about Constitutional Law and about myself. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Thanks to this trip and these people, I feel as though that I was able to learn and grow a lot. And for that, I'm truly grateful. Once again, thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Tomi Balogunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01587721029160636453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-29823557628195847092012-07-14T23:59:00.003-07:002012-07-14T23:59:55.281-07:00"Welcome Home!"<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">My mood when I woke up this morning was nothing short of miserable. As I said before, there's still so much I want to see and do in the city, so leaving now just seemed much too soon. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"> After about 5 minutes of pouting in bed, I finally got up and said my finals goodbyes to my suitemates. Out of all things about this trip, I think that I'll miss my new friends the most. I've made so many great memories with them, which made having to say goodbye even more painful. We promised each other that we'd stay in touch, and I'm sure that we will, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">When I was finished with my goodbyes, I gathered my luggage and began heading downstairs. While heading down, I met up with a few other friends. Each time it was the same; hugs accompanied with hearty well wishes and sad farewells. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">After dragging my luggage half way across campus, I finally made it to the designated meeting place, the gazebo. Since Morvarid had arrived before me, we decided to pass the time by reminiscing over the past few weeks, and retelling our favorite moments. When everyone had arrived, we took one final group picture on Columbia's campus before pilling into to taxis to the Beacon Hotel. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">When we arrived at the hotel, we put away our luggage inside Mrs.L's hotel room and set of tow<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ards Central Park. Mrs. L had plans for us to eat brunch at Boathouse, a lakeside restaurant with a beautiful view of the park. I had ordered </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> s<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">teak paillard and eggs with a p</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">otato and gruyere tart. The meal was absolutely delicious and out trip to the park was certainly a great way to end trip. </span></span>We took a brief walk through the park and then we returned to the hotel, where our shuttle soon arrived to take us to the airport. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9L9wuAujP4j5yBk0b6wC3kazJgOj953akgeext1zFFJbYtUyw9wik_xUBH-bT4IJqnHPHtCXyfFOkS4DqX-4XWnIGn2vD-wg0i8Xrrxqt7GvmODdn2WbXp49655lfDPi-fjbcx3iqfnv/s1600/DSCF1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9L9wuAujP4j5yBk0b6wC3kazJgOj953akgeext1zFFJbYtUyw9wik_xUBH-bT4IJqnHPHtCXyfFOkS4DqX-4XWnIGn2vD-wg0i8Xrrxqt7GvmODdn2WbXp49655lfDPi-fjbcx3iqfnv/s320/DSCF1220.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXAhT-w1cXzyLZ1c-rftIVjZe7lYs8Hg4hRyuDN6tckjY7VR7x7oTDcMsxes1logjh9VJ0EXScmrLhyphenhyphenDyD37UszfE0HdqmLdyWTR5J_lUH3Ac3lm5_eApg_SzFgVRL99xWo3tH99NSt2y/s1600/DSCF1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXAhT-w1cXzyLZ1c-rftIVjZe7lYs8Hg4hRyuDN6tckjY7VR7x7oTDcMsxes1logjh9VJ0EXScmrLhyphenhyphenDyD37UszfE0HdqmLdyWTR5J_lUH3Ac3lm5_eApg_SzFgVRL99xWo3tH99NSt2y/s320/DSCF1223.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I spent the majority of the 5 hour plane ride either sleeping or watching television. After today's long day, I wasn't up to much else, and neither where the others--just 15 minutes into the flight and half of them were already asleep!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">This plane ride marked another first for me; this was the first time I had ever had airplane food; whenever I go to an airport, my mother usually buys me food from one of the restaurants inside the food court. However, since we were pressed for time, we were forced to eat on the plane. All I have to say is, when comedians make jokes about how terrible airplane food is, they are not kidding. I ordered a "hearty meal", which was just a bunch of packaged snacks placed in a box. As weird as it may sound, I'm actually happy that I was able to eat airplane food; it was a new experience, and since my main goal for this trip was to try new things, I really appreciate it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">When we finally landed, the first thing I did was call my mom. It's funny really, I didn't realize how homesick I was until I finally got back home. My homesickness didn't last for long, though as I was quickly reunited with my mother, as well as everyone else's family members--Mrs. Eisen, Lenny's mother, even bought us lei necklaces! The reunion was really heartwarming, but it was soon cut short as everyone was anxious to get back home. But while I was saying my goodbyes, I ended up doing the one thing that I promised myself that I wouldn't do; I started crying, or sobbing rather. If couldn't tell, I really don't like saying goodbye to those I care about, and after spending a month with my cohort, I've come to care for them all dearly. By the time I had finally wiped away all the tears, I was already in the car and on my way home. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">This past month has been really special to me, and I'll always remember it, both the good times and the bad. New York was great, but now I'm come to realize that home is just as great as well. Right now, I'm safe and snug right where I truly belong--my bed. </span><br />
<br />Tomi Balogunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01587721029160636453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-15367170861529831802012-07-14T23:17:00.005-07:002012-07-14T23:17:28.042-07:00Parting is such a sweet sorrowAnd there it is. Our New York City and Columbia adventure is officially over. Right now I'm sitting in my bed at home, drinking herbal tea and shivering from the cold. This is such a different environment from New York that it's crazy. I am glad to be home, but I miss the city vibe so much. I was so used to it and now it's just gone! I know I'll be back one day, hopefully soon.<br />
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I woke up early to get a start on packing, and I was happy to have finished before having to go to the Gazebo at 10. I took this time to say goodbye to my roommate Nathalie and my suitemate Nas. I had so much fun with these girls and was glad to have met them. Brittany stopped by before she left for the weekend - saying goodbye to "Texas" as we called her was so sad. I will really miss Brittany.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>California and Texas (= </i></b></td></tr>
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The cohort met at the Gazebo, and we all said goodbye to Rowland before we took pictures and headed out to the street to catch a taxi cab. Saying goodbye to Rowland was hard as well. I feel like I made two really good friends here (Rowland and Brittany), and not eating pretty much every meal with them, hanging out after class, and going our separate ways...it hurts.<br />
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We took a van to Hotel Beacon, where we stored our luggage in Ms. L's room. Then we walked to Central Park, enjoying the sights. We ate brunch at the Boathouse, which has a great view of The Lake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyR6jHxmcNbEbFrgTpY55sj4GXw9cSV_N8R3ebnXgx1sXd1JAf1_7JwdjA2SUu63X9rok1Bwij4rGR2oRrC8LsECPE4XOAMLlUi5JREEtodIlWHiDpaGkc2KkJ0ussDqdmqKeTZ3r_-PZ/s1600/DSCN6881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyR6jHxmcNbEbFrgTpY55sj4GXw9cSV_N8R3ebnXgx1sXd1JAf1_7JwdjA2SUu63X9rok1Bwij4rGR2oRrC8LsECPE4XOAMLlUi5JREEtodIlWHiDpaGkc2KkJ0ussDqdmqKeTZ3r_-PZ/s320/DSCN6881.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>My French toast </i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80eBCO2WgAMANClzx3OXqmRWArHfTdODt6L80fl1x1LG5Nh1Ceyy4FGFbtyaCuctE3V1_oA49nbrMQwZw9DSDMRY52uTWinhrT3_Fwz7dnhZNCWinlW-UN8tQPkqvBkMZXFJYpgj4-QFR/s1600/DSCN6883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80eBCO2WgAMANClzx3OXqmRWArHfTdODt6L80fl1x1LG5Nh1Ceyy4FGFbtyaCuctE3V1_oA49nbrMQwZw9DSDMRY52uTWinhrT3_Fwz7dnhZNCWinlW-UN8tQPkqvBkMZXFJYpgj4-QFR/s320/DSCN6883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The gorgeous view </i></b></td></tr>
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After brunch, we walked back to the hotel so we could get our luggage and Ms. L could check out. On the van to the airport, it finally hit me - our adventure was over. We were leaving New York City. It was really hard to take in but I refused to cry. We got to the airport, checked in our luggage, went through security, and before we knew it we were on the plane and flying back to California.<br />
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Seeing my dad at the airport was great. All the families came together by the baggage claim, sporting "Welcome Home" posters and Lenny's mom even bought us leis! It was fabulous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoL1dpVOd2RhI6vl_82Q7YMgQoFza4knPFQZcjKxjzwZhphCxD3ZwVl4Yv4MZK-WFS_mrKhU1Tr2dJ080LskO3ait72FwXb3KsdhKGmC-cDRWQ6qz3kaA0HKyEERxHFH38QY5AGmKHYwc/s1600/DSCN6887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoL1dpVOd2RhI6vl_82Q7YMgQoFza4knPFQZcjKxjzwZhphCxD3ZwVl4Yv4MZK-WFS_mrKhU1Tr2dJ080LskO3ait72FwXb3KsdhKGmC-cDRWQ6qz3kaA0HKyEERxHFH38QY5AGmKHYwc/s320/DSCN6887.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Group photo of all the families, us, and Ms. L! </i></b></td></tr>
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Saying goodbye to the cohort...I can't believe it. I have literally spent <b><i><u>every day for a MONTH </u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">with these people! Separating was very hard. Tomi started crying and that really almost got me going. I love my Columbia cohort and Ms. L. I really do. In this one month we truly became a big family and I'm so grateful for that experience.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Seeing my mom and sister again after a month was so nice; they both really kept me going with phone calls and emails throughout the duration of the trip. I presented gifts to everyone when I got home and we were all pleased.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">And so that's it. My 2 year ILC experience is officially over. Check! </span></i></b>Adrianne Ramseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445321546760633865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-22707668611117736772012-07-14T01:53:00.002-07:002012-07-15T00:34:55.491-07:00Cookie's Life Spared, But Not My SadnessSorry for the title. If it sounds like I'm trying to be really artsy, I'm not; I am just terrible at titles and this happened to come to mind. Who cares about titles, though! It's the content! Anyway...<br />
My thoughts on today are kind of a jumbled mess at the moment, so I'll begin with the concrete stuff and see whether that can help me organize my thoughts. <br />
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Firstly, I stayed up very late (or early) last night. Unlike other nights, though, I did so not because of procrastination but because of my choosing. I was able to watch the sunrise, except rather than miss it by a few minutes I caught a photo just at the right time today. <br />
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The reason I stayed up so late is because of today's Debate. I had finished my 6-minute speech at about 4 AM; however, I felt there was room for improvement, which gave me reason to continue working. I have kind of a policy/principle that I follow when I work, a principle that I try to do the absolute best work I can do at everything I do. The goal I am trying to accomplish behind this, at least when it comes to academies, is that I always turn in work that I can be proud of. And I cannot be proud of my work when I know that, had I worked harder, I may have gotten a better result. Anyway, at 4 AM I felt pretty good about what I had written, but for two reasons, one of them being the reason explained above, I continued. The other reason was that I feel extremely passionately against the death penalty, and because I feel so strongly against it, I wanted to make sure I put out my absolute best arguments. This policy of doing more work than I have to can sometimes backfire, and sometimes pay off big time. Today, it was the latter (more on that later).</div>
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Actually, after researching for about 3 more hours and finding some more good quotes, I was able to go to sleep at 7 AM. Rather than wake up at 8:45, though, I was woken up by my suitemate at 9:52 as he was walking out the door. I threw on a t-shirt, a pair of shorts, and sprinted out the door to my first class, making it with less than a minute to spare. In class, we discussed the Supreme Court's rulings on Affirmative Action, and the role affirmative action plays in our society. Fascinating stuff, but my mind was on the debate.</div>
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I was extremely excited by this debate. I love to debate, but today I would be able to debate about one of society's issues that I feel most passionately about. In arguing against the death penalty, I made two main arguments as to why the death penalty was unconstitutional. Firstly, I argued that the death penalty served no penal purpose more effectively than a less severe punishment, such as a life sentence. I used a ton of legal opinions from certain courses after this to prove that because the death penalty was unnecessary, it was excessive punishment, and thus, cruel and unusual punishment. </div>
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Secondly, I argued that "<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">the deliberate extinguishment of human life by the State is uniquely
degrading to human dignity," and is therefore cruel and unusual punishment. I don't know if you buy my arguments, because I just tried to sum up a 6-minute speech in a few sentences, but the judges bought it and ruled in favor of Cookie Williamson on behalf of the fact that his 8th Amendment rights were violated. I don't want to sound like I am boasting, but Jeffrey said I gave "an excellent, excellent speech," and it felt pretty good to hear that from him. Additionally, he said that the law probably would rule in favor of the death penalty, meaning that while on moral grounds we may have been arguing the easier case, on legal grounds (the grounds that matter for this debate), we were at a disadvantage. Every single opinion I used in my opening statement was the case of a dissenting opinion or the case of a concurring opinion, just for different reasons. Also, the final thing I'd like to say is that I greatly honor Justices Brennan and Marshall (Thurgood) for their strong opposition to the death penalty.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">After leaving Mrs. L, we got back onto the A train at Penn Station and went all the way down through lower Manhattan and into Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, we found some Italian restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge and ate there before leaving to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. We had originally planned to cross the bridge at around sunset, but our plans changed with dinner and we ended up crossing at night, Crossing at night was still gorgeous, although for some reason the Brooklyn Bridge did not have lights today or just does not have lights at all, making it impossible to photograph at night. I took same photos of Lower Manhattan, though.</span></div>
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After reaching the other side of the bridge, we walked to the subway and went up to Times Square for one last walk through what is probably one of the most fascinating streets in the world. </div>
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We made it back about 10 minutes before curfew, and after getting back to my floor, I spent most of the next two hours packing , writing postcards and socializing with the kids in my floor. I knew that I had to blog, but I will have time to sleep on the plane tomorrow and no class to worry about. So who cares that it is 4 AM, I spent the day debating and exploring New York City. </div>
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Lastly, I have to discuss some of the emotions that I've had to deal with. It was very, very sad to walk down the stairs in Hamilton today after completing my final Constitutional Law class. The class has been far and away my favorite class of all I have ever taken. I'll discuss more what the class meant to me in the reflection-type blogs later on, but basically, today was a very sad day for me. My rommmate and I, and my suitemates as well, have all grown extrememly close, and we've adjusted to the routine of seeing eachother every day. Basically, it's all very, very sad. Goodbyes tomorrow (and the ones from today, already) will be very tough; I am not looking forward to them. I can still say, though, that while I may not see many of these friends for a long time, the experience was fun while it lasted and the memories are something I will always keep with me.</div>
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<br /></div>Lucas Lochner Bravohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004585928479695548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-56275393794454613942012-07-14T00:46:00.000-07:002012-07-14T00:46:41.593-07:00Goodbye, New YorkToday was our last day of class. In the morning session, we read cases about Affirmative Action. This was convenient, because both the essay I wrote and the debate I would have (later in the day) were on this subject.<br />
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I spent my lunch break in the classroom with my group, preparing for the debate. We were the first group to go. We were defending John Baker. John was suing the University of New York, because they didn't admit him, while they accepted his next door neighbor. His neighbor, Juan Lopez, had nearly identical academic merits as John, but gained extra points for being a minority. Our basic argument was that Juan and John came from the same background and had the same level of education, so there wasn't any reason to give Juan special treatment. The two judges, Jeffrey and Luke were split on the decision, so they asked a random student to be the tie breaker. They student happened to be Alec, who sided in our favor.<br />
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All of the rest of the debates were interesting too, but I won't go into detail on any of them. Lucas and Tomi can describe in their blogs what happened in their debates, far better than I can.After the last decision was made, we got our essays back. I was very pleased to see I received an A. The teacher who graded it, which I believe was Luke in this case, seemed to like it. He did make a lot of corrections, but almost all of them were about punctuation. Apparently, I should not use contractions in formal writing. I was not aware of that, but I will try to avoid them in the future. <br />
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At about 5:15, we all met up in the John Jay cafeteria to grab some food before leaving campus. Our cohort decided to end our trip with a tour of the city. The first stop was the High Line Park on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. This urban park was created from the remains of out-of-use railway tracks. The city renovated them and put in plants, benches and walkways. It's an excellent place to take a stroll, with an awesome view of the city. While there we happened to cross paths with Ms. Lilhanand and her son. They seemed to like th location, just as much as we did.<br />
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After parting ways with Ms. L., we took the subway down to Brooklyn. We sat down for dinner at a really nice Italian Restaurant near the water front. The place was great, but it must not be very well known, because it was almost empty. We ate outside. We ended up staying there until night fell.<br />
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After dinner we started our trek across the Brooklyn Bridge, into Manhattan. Our goal had been to cross it just as the sun set, but we were a little late for that. The view from the bridge was great, but I wasn't able to get any good photos from it. It took about half an hour to cross, but it was definitely worth it.<br />
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We got ice cream on the other side of the bridge: highlight of my day.<br />
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After wandering around the area on the Manhattan side of the bridge for a while, we took the subway down to Times Square. We wanted to spend our last day here, really traversing the city. We ended up exploring some of the most significant locations NYC has to offer.<br />
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When we got back to the dorm, I found that I was hungry again. So were many of the other students, so we all pitched in to order a pizza. That's essentially how I ended my time in New York.<br />
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It's really hard to believe that this time tomorrow, I'll be asleep in my own bed.Leonard Eisenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16039054560096365772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-8461767573332910262012-07-13T23:38:00.000-07:002012-07-13T23:38:16.387-07:00Being a College Student That Will Soon Be a Senior at High School<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsdFa89aZWL284lRFims09FL-Zitdu1UppvIL0fJgKvF-Rm1kzlYTJ5kPb-PV-IurlGMfrK1BiE1-nMx_D8LoBCbQwPpYsf1XCDO93OkNpR_WZKAgabpo1sgKVzSpRs994pcaXnkbvlo/s1600/MM.13.7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsdFa89aZWL284lRFims09FL-Zitdu1UppvIL0fJgKvF-Rm1kzlYTJ5kPb-PV-IurlGMfrK1BiE1-nMx_D8LoBCbQwPpYsf1XCDO93OkNpR_WZKAgabpo1sgKVzSpRs994pcaXnkbvlo/s320/MM.13.7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My suite mate was teaching me how to do the "waltz." Efrat took<br /> a picture of us while we jokingly posed like we're "dancing."</td></tr>
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For a month, we had the opportunity to live the same same dorms Columbia students live, eat at the same dining hall, go to school in the same classes they are taught in, and learn from highly experienced professors who usually teach at prestigious universities.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My RA and I.</td></tr>
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I had such an amazing time the past month, and I'm really sad that it's finally time to depart. More than anything, I'm sad that my class is over because I actually enjoyed the course! The daily challenges it provided and the critical thinking it constantly required allowed the course to be both engaging and interesting. Before coming to Columbia, I remember being really sad in the car knowing I won't be home for a month and I will not see my parents or family. However, now I'm really sad that I'm leaving Columbia because I now consider <b>Columbia my home. </b></div>
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I have deeply fallen in love with every aspect of this university. Overall, I just feel like not only is the school a perfect fit for me, but I'm also a great fit for the university. Columbia University is definitely on my list of top choice universities, and I really hope that I can one day attend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVnE1ItruuOkKjAghOGP683pdlnKNN3-NuTjZWR6HVChjHQKbxgNwlCI8C-Wvu1FI3DLZhLUrgv3k5BgUjea-Dfw81Pi70wPHCdnaWLzxWEs8iTyJurI0rCp62il6PVAectKRGE4VZ0g/s1600/MM.13.3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVnE1ItruuOkKjAghOGP683pdlnKNN3-NuTjZWR6HVChjHQKbxgNwlCI8C-Wvu1FI3DLZhLUrgv3k5BgUjea-Dfw81Pi70wPHCdnaWLzxWEs8iTyJurI0rCp62il6PVAectKRGE4VZ0g/s320/MM.13.3.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2qZ6yT9vsqC7tB00doog-eLpwONYi5FkCAht61hpqumN5QeMfsduViv3nyrO64tyDOATostOw5sf2RGCuzFFAJB6XPUIsIgRcplLgpmTqql0_B1H1zmkHdgRQo8HrcnQWARmqZ1elG0/s1600/MM.13.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2qZ6yT9vsqC7tB00doog-eLpwONYi5FkCAht61hpqumN5QeMfsduViv3nyrO64tyDOATostOw5sf2RGCuzFFAJB6XPUIsIgRcplLgpmTqql0_B1H1zmkHdgRQo8HrcnQWARmqZ1elG0/s320/MM.13.1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpwbin39rCdAhAPg-HXpaGvS2r8uw4FA5-tpcIi6D6ZPW7bm8lJSBi7Krc9Q2PH4FgZxWvKxIg2PH2RgSD5pLJROhi-eQlACoJo3nidYaGgGnst9JwMNhcE3ChRPEZEiyfpmmF2pHl34/s1600/MM.13.4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpwbin39rCdAhAPg-HXpaGvS2r8uw4FA5-tpcIi6D6ZPW7bm8lJSBi7Krc9Q2PH4FgZxWvKxIg2PH2RgSD5pLJROhi-eQlACoJo3nidYaGgGnst9JwMNhcE3ChRPEZEiyfpmmF2pHl34/s320/MM.13.4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a flower with my napkin!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgrRvl6brQGQGK0FsM-FcxNUhCj72rw_oidtJHgqS2Mr_60KjVSbPIsEEqj_VwqM0rIZHwJwxI0cAHCgnGtPjIrrhs1EgaeMwON8cWX29_bH4Zkec37O_Yc12pNWY5H14Exn1ycP_r_E/s1600/MM.13.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgrRvl6brQGQGK0FsM-FcxNUhCj72rw_oidtJHgqS2Mr_60KjVSbPIsEEqj_VwqM0rIZHwJwxI0cAHCgnGtPjIrrhs1EgaeMwON8cWX29_bH4Zkec37O_Yc12pNWY5H14Exn1ycP_r_E/s320/MM.13.5.JPG" width="240" /></a>Today in class, Dr.Porwancher told us that he had taught the course the same exact manner he teaches his regular courses to upperclassmen in university and the same manner and pace as courses taught in any private ivy league institution. He told us that in fact, a lot of the things we did were a lot harder than what college students do. For example, many students graduate Columbia University never having written a 20 page paper. This, of course, is a fact. Last week from the admission office, I picked up a sheet that gave student perspectives in regards to the Columbia curriculum. One student commented on the core University Writing course stating, "Although the prospect of writing 10 page papers intimidated me, University Writing definitely helped better prepare me for college work." To be honest, I wonder what this student felt if he/she had to write a TWENTY page paper rather than just 10. To me, 10 now seems like such baby work. Our paper had to be at least 4000 words, but maximum of 5000. I actually had trouble staying within that 5000 boundary! Our intense course this summer really allowed me to become a more prepared student. Thanks to Dr.Porwancher, I know now that I will definitely be a more successful student in college next year knowing that I have already participated in a course that had been more challenging that a typical ivy league college course. </div>
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Today was a good day to end off our exciting college experience. We all visited Highline park and ate our last dinner in New York at an attractive Italian restaurant. Later, we ended our night by walking on the famous Brooklyn bridge, catching our last glimpse of the city I now call "home." Hopefully soon, I will have the opportunity to return to Columbia University.</div>
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<br /></div>Morvarid Mehdizadehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11651411189509618211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754512214260763525.post-39628087055722581752012-07-13T23:28:00.002-07:002012-07-13T23:28:56.392-07:00InconceivableThat is the word I can associate to my last
full day in New York. Just to think, the Columbia cohort was anxiously anticipating
for the plan ride here twenty-five days ago. Now we all have mixed feelings
about returning home- or at the very least I do.<o:p></o:p>
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I awoke at 7 AM from a short sleep; I finished my paper at
around 2 AM and couldn’t fall asleep until 5 AM. So I worked through my day
with only two hours of sleep. Thankfully, the Presidential Powers class was
very calm today. After turning in my paper, Professor Porwancher informed us
about the film we were going to walk. Unfortunately we faced a few technical
difficulties when trying to play the movie. After an hour of fruitless
attempts, we were finally able to watch “JFK.” The film was about the assassination
of John F. Kennedy and a conspiracy theory behind the murder. A district
attorney from New Orleans, along with his colleagues, try to find the truth
behind the assassination, finding evidence to support the idea of a multiple
attack on Kennedy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Because we started the movie later than expected, we were
given the option to watch the movie earlier at 1:15 PM than the usual 2 PM
session. So after our last lunch at the Columbia dining hall, we headed to
Starbucks for some refreshments. Today’s humidity was not comfortable. I can’t
wait for the seventy degree weather in the Bay Area. Along the way to
Starbucks, we passed by the Carman building. And guess what we saw? A filming for
the show “Royal Pains” in front of my dorm! It’s amazing to know that the cast
came all the way to Columbia University for a shooting; maybe I’ll be in the
show’s next episode. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After satisfying my cravings for cake pops and frappicinos,
Morvarid and I made our way to the Hamilton building to continue the movie
early. The plot of the movie was very intriguing; it makes the audience
question the government and the legitimacy of news. I even recommended it to my
AP U.S. History teacher as well congratulating him for such a good job on teaching
the class. Once the movie ended, Professor Porwancher wished all the rising
seniors with the college applications and gave us a few sentimental departing
words. Now I’m anticipating my critiqued research paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once class ended, I decided to head back to my dorm to do
some laundry and squeeze in a quick nap. Sadly I spent most of my time racing
around campus to find change for the coin washers and dryers. After finally
doing my laundry and taking a quick shower, I met with the Columbia cohort and
Rowland to venture towards Highland Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Highland Park is built on old railroad tracks that overlook part
of Brooklyn. Ironically we saw Ms. L and her son Bryan while walking. And we
met a woman who was shooting for an album about the peace between strangers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After taking a few pictures of the incredible views, we
headed for the subway station to ride to the Brooklyn Bridge. But before our
trek, we ate at a quant Italian restaurant a couple of blocks from the entrance
to the bridge. Although our meal was delicious, we stayed a little too long at
the restaurant, giving us taste of the weather ahead of us. Thankfully it was only
sprinkling for the night, so our walk on the bridge was very relaxing. Brooklyn
Bridge is absolutely beautiful; from the architecture to the view, it gives off
such a calming atmosphere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s so surreal to know that I’ll be back home in less than
twenty hours. My experiences here have opened my mind to new paths I could take
in life. Although my time here is about to end, one thing’s for sure; the 2012
Columbia cohort will always have New York. <o:p></o:p></div>Aurea Riborosohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211185258199423950noreply@blogger.com0