Last night all 35 of us ILCers attended a mandatory orientation, which was our last time meeting together before our big trip. We had words from Mrs. Kronenberg and Mr. Ramsey about our programs and what will be expected of us once we leave. Don showed us all of the loaner items that he will be giving out if needed for our trip.
Not many people can say they would be excited to write a 20 page research paper, but I am. The whole experience excites me! There is hardly anyone else that can say they will be attending Columbia University in the summer and take a class by a real college professor. Not only that but we get the opportunity to have college work before they go to college. I'm ready to tackle that essay!
Eric's sister, Yueming, spoke to us about the program since she attended it last year. She informed us on how the dorms worked, weather, and everything we needed to know about the program. My favorite part was when she told us our class doesn't start until 10:00 AM meaning we have a chance to sleep in a little if we would like. Looks like being away from home will not be too bad after all...
Our chaperone, Mrs. L., told us about all of the exciting things we can do in New York while we are there. We have access to some of the greatest museums in the world, not to mention the greatest historical sites in the country. From Times Square to Ellis Island, we have it all in our reach. I'm excited to learn inside of the classroom of course, but there is also a great learning experience waiting outside of the college.
This milestone event to me is almost like having the people who support us giving us our wings to explore the experiences that are out there waiting for us. The Columbia group will be leaving June 22nd to the Big Apple. The countdown begins...
And Off We Go!
Milani,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if Yueming got a chance to tell you everything about the class you'll be taking. DId she mention the thousands of pages of reading material? Did she mention the research you get to do? Did she mention having to draft many different versions of that 20 page paper before it's deemed "acceptable"?
I recall reading the blogs from Yueming and her classmates and I don't recall anything about this whole "sleeping in" thing you mentioned.
If you're right, though, let me know--I may want to sign up. Sleeping in has been my specialty since before I was your age.