Truly an ILC week

These past few days have been filled with Ivy League Connection events. And that has definitely been a positive thing.

On Monday, I attended the Exploring College Options information night at Berkeley along with many other students from PV and across the rest of WCCUSD. I have been to college information sessions previously, but that didn't prevent me from absorbing loads of knowledge from that session. I took notes and learned many things such as what one should do when visiting a college campus and the difference between early action and early decision. More importantly, I gained a personal feel of each of the five colleges represented there, Rice, Cornell, University of Chicago, Brown, and Columbia. Besides imparting on to me intriguing trivia, for example, the guy who is responsible for Gollum's character in the LOTR movies teaches at Cornell, this session made me realize that I must discern what qualities I want in my future college. This reflection will assist me when I meet with Ms. Kim this coming Sunday, and of course, in the fall when I'm applying to college. On a further note, University of Chicago and Columbia appealed strongly to me.

On Tuesday, I went to the Pinole City Council Meeting to be recognized as a participant of the ILC from Pinole. Unfortunately, I was not conscientious of the time, and thus I arrived to the meeting late. This was an awful blunder, but it taught me a harsh lesson regarding punctuality which will definitely stick with me. It also made me realize that I must not take things for granted, most especially a priceless opportunity such as studying in Yale on behalf of the ILC. Besides that, I, along with the four other Pinoleans (go Spartans!) was awarded a certificate of recognition from the Pinole City Council. I expressed a few words of gratitude, but I wish I had had a better delivery. However, I know I will strengthen my speaking skills even further this summer at Ivy Scholars.

Wednesday was the culmination of this week's ILC "festivities". It was the school board meeting at LaVonya DeJean Middle School in which us thirty ILC students were formally recognized by the school board. It was incredible. Here, we symbolicly received certificates congratulating us on our acceptance to prestigious summer programs. However, we students simultaneously received something more. We were endowed with the knowledge of being aware of what we all are truly a part of by being a part of the ILC. Our parents' presence showed that we are part of something they can be proud of. Our teachers' presence showed that our achievements are built upon the efforts of others. Our sponsors' presence showed that the ILC is a positive program that must exist no matter the costs. Mr. Gosney's presence showed that it was a big deal (not to mention the gigantic group photo!). The ILC alumni's presence showed the effictiveness of the program in making WCCUSD students prestigious university material, but despite that, people whom still continue to care about their community back home. Our presence showed the beginning of a summer of enlightenment.

Once again, thank you Mr. Ramsey, Ms. Kronenberg, Mr. Gosney, and everyone else who makes things, such as this past week, possible!