Friday, July 18, 2008

Now it's all clear!

For the last couple of days I have had the chance to reflect on the time I spent back at Cornell University. 
I started doing my own laundry for the third summer in a row, and I also had the opportunity to be in a "real" college class. Unlike at Brown, the class at Cornell was more intense and it showed me the real deal on classes in college. I got to see with my own eyes how intense and competitive students can get to succeed in every way possible, if it means staying up until like 3 in the morning, or distracting others, like a man at the orientation said. Cornellians try to distract others to get to the top. I was beginning to do the same. I guess my Cornellian attitude was starting to show after so much exposure to it. 
Also, I was privileged to compare two Ivy League schools such as Brown and Cornell. I can say that Brown was more towards community oriented and being more about socializing, while on the other hand, Cornell was more competitive and has much larger classes than Brown. I can see myself in either one. I like being in schools where I know I'm not going to get distracted(like Cornell), but I also like being very social and Brown is the perfect fit.  
As I continued with the class, I thought every single day of how I could apply what I learned back at Kennedy. I still reflect on it and meditate how to use it when I start attending school again. Since it's my last year at the 'K' I want to help in every way possible, and help my fellow students. I want to better my high school and better our students, and encourage every single one of them to consider college in their future lives. 
Even though at first I thought of this as something that took my time away, now I know it was something helpful for those who support us and who want to know us and the experiences we have lived for the years we have been with the ILC. 
I am currently working on my personal statement for college, and have begun researching schools I consider applying to. On August 2nd I will be attending a college workshop with a college counselor and it will help me very much in knowing more about colleges and what they look for in college applications and the requirements they have for college admission. 
Back to Cornell, I had a great time. As the other times, I will never forget such opportunity and will always know this was something that has helped me inmany ways. I have gained confidence, and have become more outgoing. I can might as well say these summer programs have shaped most of my personality. Without it I don't know how my persona would differ from what I am now. 
I want to thank the sponsors who read these blogs and stay interested in us. Those who believe we do get something out of these opportunities they make possible. My gratitude is extended to Mr. Charles Ramsey and Ms. Madeline Kronenberg. You have helped me so much and supported me in any way imaginable. Thanks!!!

These HAVE been LIFE-CHANGING experiences!

Best wishes, 

Ana Garibo
Kennedy High '09
The Individual in the Social World
Summer of '08

1 comment:

Charles Ramsey said...

Your heart felt post was moving. I am glad that the ILC experience has been life changing. You are a better person for being part of this program for the last three years and I hope that you will work very hard with the College Counselor to find the right college for you.

I know that this is a difficult period in any teenager's life, but it also gives you an opportunity to seize the moment and become pro-active. Being successful in life means taking chances, but it also means being disciplined and understanding time management skills and being confident and open to learning.

Thanks for taking the time to give us your final reflections on your time at Cornell.

Charles T. Ramsey
School Board Member
West Contra Costa
Unified School District