ILC From Day One

I first learned of the now deeply familiar "Ivy League Connection" long before I heard Don's voice echo around my high school gym, and long before the slip of paper calling me to a presentation about the ILC compelled me to leave class despite walking out on a test I had studied hard for. In fact, it was the intrinsic prestige that the ILC already held in my mind which made me leave my seat and head down to the gym, kickstarting my long and life-changing journey with the ILC. 

When I did learn of the ILC for the first time it was during a different presentation, this one was a panel of El Cerrito Hischschool students talking to young middle schoolers like myself about what to expect for the years to come. A parent who must have known about the program asked the accomplished students before us if any of them had experience with ILC and I listened as several of them, many of whom I knew as the older siblings of classmates, held high as the gold standard of educational achievers, explained how they had applied but had not quite made it into one of the elusive spots. 

In that moment I was intimidated, if the talented group of high schoolers sitting before me couldn't seem to make it as ILCers, how could I? But more than that, I was left with a newfound determination, I just had to be one of those lucky enough to spend their summer across the country at schools of their dreams, and I knew I wouldn't pass up the opportunity when it came knocking on my door. 

Back to that day in the gym. As I wrote my email on that long list of others jumbles of letters and numbers, I silently thanked my dad for the sound advice years previous to make my address something I wouldn't be embarrassed by in the future. There is no way that I could have known what the coming months would bring. 

The first milestone was getting accepted for the interview. I remember jumping for joy in that same math classroom that I had left for the presentation, I had made it through the first hurdle. The interview presented a totally new challenge for me, being on the debate team I had tried persuaded endless judges of my side of a resolution, but never before had I been in the position of convincing people that I was the right choice. I knew how much I wanted the opportunity, but the prospect of convincing the accomplished panel that I should be one of the individuals chosen to represent my school, my district, and my community, terrified me. 

I remember feeling like I was holding my breath as I walked into the room. Don explained that these people only wanted to see us succeed, and yet as my professor at Vanderbilt would say, communication anxiety as a powerful beast, and I didn't start to feel myself relax until I got to talk about the issues that really matter to me right at home in WCCUSD, and within the hallways of my own school. Talking on those subjects made me feel like I could show the judges who I was and be my genuine self with the nerves holding me back. 

Before I knew it, Don was reading those that would make up the first members of the 2018 ILC cohort and my heart flooded with joy and excitement at each passing name. 

Earlier that day Ana and I had been in one of our school bathrooms, changing into professional clothing to put our best foot forward, assuring each other that if even one of us made the cut we would be over the moon, we didn't even entertain the idea that we could both do it. 

When our names were called, we hugged each other tightly and scurried out of the room into the hallway, met with two more faces bearing smiles that mirrored our own. It was Anna, the girl who I learned I shared a birthday with, and Hawi, the one who invited us all to join in a tension-breaking game of cards as we waited for our time to go before the panel. We wasted no time in hugging them too. I felt like I was walking on air for the rest of the night, so grateful to be a part of the ILC and eager to learn more about the girls who made up team Vanderbilt. 

Our first time meeting after the interview

Over the next few months, we got to know each other and Blogger through orientations, informational meetings, and endless photo sessions with Don behind the camera, and as the trip edged closer my excitement grew. 

Before we departed I learned  a new kind of responsibility, as I applied to the ILC, prepared for my interview, and later applied for VSA, I kept my parents updated but knew that as part of the ILC I am adult, in charge of making sure that I do my part for myself and for the opportunity that I was given. I kept learning as I proofread blog posts searching for small mistakes, checked my emails daily to keep up with the necessary flood of information, and got myself ready to take off for Nashville. 

While at Vanderbilt I learned that I can, and in fact want, to go to school far away from home. While I valued my contact with friends and family back in the Bay Area, I found myself relishing the change of environment. The new people, place, and college-esque lifestyle, even with its close supervision and strict rules was thrilling, and I soaked up every second. College now feels much more like an attainable part of my future than the just a far-off lofty goal. 

Learning in class

I learned about the magic of living in the same space as amazing new friends, and at the same time about the importance of giving yourself time to recharge. I am used to balancing my social time with schoolwork and other responsibilities, but taking a break for the sake of taking a break was new. 

Shenanigans in the dorms

I learned so much about the process that lands you living in college dorms for more than just a few weeks, and about what I want in a school, that I had no idea of before our trip, and could not have found out without the experiences provided by the ILC. I returned with a new sense of direction as I wade into the spooky swamp that is the college admissions process. 

I met people who I will treasure for the rest of my life, who taught me about strength, compassion, and the power of love and open-mindedness. I will carry the lessons gleaned in and out of the classroom with me, determined to share all about my experience with the ILC, at Vanderbilt, and in Pennsylvania, to shout from the rooftops about the wide world of possibilities that lie within our reach. Every student in WCCUSD deserves to know all of their options when approaching higher education, and while that may be close to home, it may also be somewhere far away that either seems impossible or just hasn't been within their scope. The ILC aims to let more kids see what is out there, and I know it has done that for me and the other girls, and for everyone, we are able to share with. 

Thank you ILC

Being part of the ILC has made me feel like I am in the driver's seat, in charge of my own future and ready to make the most of the road ahead. 

How ILC Changed my Life

The first time I heard about the Ivy League Connection was from my older sister who was invited to the interview session twice. As my sister went through the process, all I knew about the ILC came from the name, which I deduced as being honorable. When I entered high school, I learned about the program from posters and intercom announcements, I knew I wanted to apply. There was a mysterious glory in being a part of the Ivy League Connection, a prestigious and exclusive air. I knew who the  ILCers were from the faces on the posters and reading through blogs and when I saw them walking through the hallway I aspired to be like them.

I would've never imagined myself being a part of the program, traveling to universities over the summer, or creating the beautiful memories that I have.

I still remember this day, our first ILC outing.

I still remember when I first began writing my application. It was the day following Don's presentation and after I had begun brainstorming the previous night. I was sitting in my school's library in my secret corner,  an area where the two walls meet and instead of there being two painted gray walls, there are windows that I could look out of. I was shielded from the view of others by bookcases and sat with the morning light shining on my computer.

I knew two out of the three essay prompts from the previous year, since, I had applied but unfortunately didn't get in. While sitting in my corner, I read over last year's application and pointed out all my flaws: I wasn't being honest enough, my answers were fabricated to cater to what I thought Don wanted to hear, and I was surprised because my genuine voice didn't shine through. My truths, what should've been in my application, were fogged over by what I thought the Ivy League Connection wanted to hear. I led myself askew.

This time, I told myself, I wouldn't fall into the same trap. I would slave over my essays and truly answer the questions of why I want to be a part of the Ivy League Connection and the importance of teamwork. My genuine voice would be a beacon of light on my application.

Now that VSA has passed and I'm in my room writing this blog, I can look back knowing that I fulfilled my goal. I wrote honest essays, I was chosen from the interview pool, I attended VSA, and I blogged liked nobody's business. It's crazy to look back and remember sitting in that corner, remembering how the light looked and shone, and remembering every other step of the ILC journey.

A wonderful friendship

I was so lucky to be chosen to partake in the interview with Audrey! We're great friends and we lept with joy when we saw our names appear on the email. I remember changing out of our ordinary school clothing and into our interview attire in our school bathroom. We were horribly nervous for our interviews and kept reminding one another that things would be just fine. We longed for both of us to be admitted into the program but didn't really see it as plausible. Instead, we discussed that if either of us got in, we'd be just as happy. Then came along Don, after our interviews, who announced the Vanderbilt cohort would be made up of both of us, along with Hawi and Anna. I remember floating on a cloud of ecstasy, I was so happy not only because I was admitted into ILC, but because I'd be sharing the experience with one of my closest friends.

I was even luckier to have been placed with the rest of the girls in my cohort. We are all such dedicated, passionate, and supportive people. These friendships will last a lifetime, we've even already begun planning the Vandy cohort's summer road trip.

The Vandy Cohort

Meetings with the ILC were something that I looked forward to. They were a reminder of what the summer had to offer: the joy, the challenges, the independence. I remember greeting Don in his Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and sandals at every meeting, his response was always a friendly,"Hi Ana." Then, we got to work, whether it be creating our blog, learning to upload pictures on Mediafire, or speaking to the School Board. There was always something new to be learned.

Thank You, Ivy League Connection!

Thank you, Don. You gave us something that not many can offer, you worked hard sending us emails, organizing this convoluted trip, and tolerated our mistakes. Thank you for being so supportive and never failing to believe in us. Thank you for sharing RedVines, stories, and loaner items. Thank you for, amidst the barriers and complications, getting us to Nashville and back safely. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed - thank you.

Thank you, Tori for being a wonderfully perfect chaperone. You were so kind, empowering, and supportive. Thank you for having stimulating discussions with us, thank you for tolerating our nonsense and laughing at our jokes. Thank you for having faith in our abilities and what we stand for.

The ILC taught me to be dedicated. To set my mind on completing a group of pristine and perfect essays. The ILC taught me to be independent, to learn to how to spread my wings and have the opportunity to fly. The ILC gave me a community full of supportive, hilarious, loving, and kind women who I now see as some of my closest friends. The ILC gave me the opportunity to grow, to become a more powerful, a more intelligent, a more kind, and a more responsible individual.

The ILC is much more than a scholarship program, it's a mentorship, a community, a group that I'm proud to be a part of. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Thank you, Ivy League Connection.

Our final embrace.

The Most Amazing Month

Trying to sum up how the last month of my life has impacted me leaves my head spinning. All of the things I have learned, all the ways I have grown, and all the people met have had their own effect. I will carry the experiences we had, and the memories we made with me. It is hard to put into words what rhetoricians would call "intensity of feeling", the burst of emotions I have when thinking about our trip that stubbornly resists comprehension. 

I can say with confidence is that from lift off to touch down, these have been some of the most amazing weeks of my life so far. 

I was lucky enough to start with a sturdy foundation of some of the most incredible people I have ever met. Ms. Sciacca, Hawi, Anna, and Ana, have taught me so much about being strong, genuine, and kind, and I could not ask for a better group of women to be with throughout our trip. We learned how to move as a cohesive unit early on, and with Ms. Sciacca only a phone call away, the rest of us spent every meal together, as Anna reminded us, a time for family. Being part of the ILC meant having people that I could trust and rely on while encountering an environment so different from home, and so many miles away from it. 

Sharing a meal with new friends and old

While in Nashville, and later in Philly, I had my first genuine experiences with college tours, a very different feeling from wandering around the UC Berkeley Campus. In the process, I learned a lot about myself and what I value in receiving higher education. It is easy to have vague goals, you want to go to "good school", or maybe you know you want to go to school in a certain climate, but until you take some tours it is hard to actually know what you really want in a school. 

I learned from both of the tours that I really value an emphasis on community, and subsequently a smaller student body, this was not something that I had expected, but as soon as I walked out of the Vanderbilt tour it was ringing loud in my head. Conversely, when we toured UPenn, as impressed as I was by the academics, somewhere in my gut it felt just a bit too impersonal. Of course, some of this could change, and just a 3-hour tour can't tell you everything, but having that kind of foundation is something that I am extremely grateful for. 

Before the Vandy tour!

Besides hearing how different schools present themselves having the opportunity to actually live in a college dorm, and all that came with that was definitely an invaluable experience. From learning to use communal showers and bathrooms (very different from sharing with siblings), to just living in a place surrounded not by family, but peers, friends, and strangers, all there for a similar purpose. It was such a different environment than anything I had ever been in before, and I learned that living outside of California, while at times uncomfortable, was actually really fascinating and reaffirmed my commitment to moving far away for college. 

Over the course of our time in Nashville, Vanderbilt went from a school that I knew very little about, to being at the top of my list. 

When thinking back on our trip, it is impossible to ignore what served as the center of my VSA universe, my proctor group. We all came into the group total strangers, from all over the world with differing life experiences and vastly different backgrounds, but during those three short weeks we laughed, cried,  exchanged endless friendship bracelets, danced, worked as a team, and above all became a potato family. They showed me how compassionate, accepting, and supportive of each others' dreams a group forged by chance and with only a short time together could be. Proctor Group Meetings at the end of the day became something that I looked forward to, all of us gathered in Payton's dimly lit room sharing about our days and often staying long after it ended to just talk and laugh, half delirious but enjoying each others company none the less.  

The only photo with all of us, you can see some of our personality shining through

I miss all the girls that made out group so special, and of course our fearless leader Payton. Payton, as our Proctor, set the tone for the whole group, and I am certain that VSA would not have been the magical experience it was for me without her. She made becoming as close as we did easy with her contagious humor and smile that could light up a whole city. 

As it goes in life not all my interactions at VSA were roses and sunshine, there were moments that reminded me just how much of a bubble we live in, and ones where it became very apparent that most of the people around us led lives of privilege that allowed them to attend the pricey program. We had conversations with people that had become our friends where both sides disagreed about core issues, but through patience and empathy, they were often able to be productive, or at least not turn toxic. In my class, I was thrust into the position of defending values that are often just accepted as common back in the Bay, and ended learning a lot about myself and the power of my own voice. That is not to say that there were not times when it felt as if we were surrounded by intolerance, and comparatively powerless, but in those moments I still saw the strength of my fellow ILCers to stand their ground. 

In class, my mind was stretched in yet another way, taught by a Vanderbilt professor in a room full of students who wanted to be there, who had in fact written an essay to be in that very place.  Needless to say, it was very different than any classroom I had ever been in before. We had tough discussions about the complex political and social structures constantly surrounding us, and how as students of rhetoric we could strive to complicate and question the world. We learned about the implications of words and texts on society and the ways that they implore us to think and act. All of us emerged with new rhetorical tools to be better speakers, listeners, and interpreters.

Since returning home I have made it a point to tell everyone I talk to about the amazing experience I had while across the country, my friends and family must be tired of hearing me tell them about all that we did and saw. I know one thing for sure, our trip is the gift that keeps giving, I won't stop sharing with everyone I meet about all I learned, the people I met, and broadened horizons I now see.

Looking out on new horizons

An Experience to Forever Remember

It feels like just yesterday that we were hugging our parents goodbye and hopping into the shuttle bus. I still remember the butterflies fluttering in my stomach and the smile that never quite left my face. 

Departure Day

This experience has allowed me to grow in so many ways: it's changed the way I view people around me, has made me more responsible, and has altered the way I see my education. I wouldn't trade it for the world.  

Never have I been immersed in a community of such intelligent, passionate, and friendly people. In my classroom, our desks were arranged so that we could see everyone's faces. To me, this is emblematic of our unity. Each of us had vastly different stories and we were all open to hearing what others had to offer; it was an environment welcoming of abstract creativity, of silliness, and of appreciating one another.  I was surrounded by literature nerds, people who love the same authors as I and can talk on end about canons of literature. Our stimulating discussions weren't dominated by one voice, instead we always contributed. VSA showed me what my high school classrooms can't even get close to. I'll never forgot the elated feeling I had every time I walked through my classroom doors. Thank you Novel Writing, for being so caring, entertaining, and insightful. I'll never forget you.

My wonderful class

In class, I learned to have confidence in my writing. Before, I never shared my work with anyone. I mentioned previously that I would attach the manuscript of my novel in one of my blogs, but I've decided that I don't want to be susceptible to plagiarism. If you'd like to read the manuscript for my novel send me an email at anatouriel@gmail.com and I'll gladly share it with you.  

I'm going to college because I want to learn and to me, education is liberation. VSA has given me a taste of the passion, engagement, and the challenges of a college classroom. I cannot wait for the day that I enter a college classroom and have that same elated feeling.

In Nashville, we were no longer living in the diverse and liberal bubble of the Bay Area. We made a few friends who had different political views than us, but instead of having an aggressive encounter, we had positive discourse. We respected the views of our friends and expected the same back. I was exposed for the first time to someone who thought differently than I and the experience was new and surprising. This world is full of people who've been raised differently, have had different opportunities, and operate under different principles, instead of resenting them, I've learned to respect them and speak diplomatically with them. I will carry this lesson with me throughout the rest of my life, because unfortunately the world isn't just like the Bay Area. 

The city of Nashville is very different from the Bay Area

Throughout this experience, I've made friendships that'll last a lifetime. I know this because we aren't across the country from one another but instead a 5-10 minute drive away. The first few days of the trip, Audrey, Hawi, Anna, Tori, and I spent most hours of the day together. We've laughed with one another, had personal conversations, and complained of missing the Bay Area weather. I wasn't expecting the Vanderbilt cohort to have such a strong bond, even to the point where at VSA we ate every meal with one another and spent freetime together. But, we hit the lottery with our cohort, every one of us is unique, bright, and fun.

I'm not sure what we're doing here.

I'll miss seeing Anna eating broccoli at most meals and laughing at vines. I'll miss hearing Hawi sing her "It's Dinner!" song every day and spending late nights playing cards. I'll miss hearing Audrey's random hilarious comments (who am I kidding, I see Audrey every day at school). I'll miss Tori's wise and supportive conversations and interesting stories. I'll miss our late night blogging parties in hotel rooms. I'm so sad that I won't see these wonderful ladies everyday, but already since we've been home, we've been texting one another and are planning to meet up. I can't wait to see what our friendships have in store. 

Great friends!

VSA has given me the opportunity to have a taste of independence. Living in a family of six, with protective parents means I don't get to spread my wings as much as I'd like. I had to ensure that I ate three meals a day, and by meals not 3 servings of macaroni and cheese and desserts, but instead a balance of vegetables, protein, and grains. I wasn't reminded to make my bed or do laundry, I had to do that on my own. I had to manage my time and balance socializing and academics. It was freedom and I loved it. Learning to be independent will help me throughout the entirety of my life. 

Thank you VSA!

Tell Your Own Story

Bright and early Saturday morning we had a tour of the University of Pennsylvania. We were still exhausted from the chaos of canceled flights, train rides, and heavy luggage of the night before, but were still very excited for what UPenn had to offer. On our walk from the hotel to get a bite of food, then to the university, we got a pleasant introduction to Philadelphia's beauty. The city is very clean, greenery traces the sidewalks and the campus, and the weather is enjoyable. 

Our first stop was the information session. We walked into the auditorium just as the presentation began, a sea of eager individuals filled the hundreds of seats, the ceiling rose high, and a smartly dressed women gestured on the stage at her PowerPoint. We scurried to find five empty seats. The setting of the session sharply contrasted that of Vanderbilt and was a tad intimidating. But as the presentation went on, I found that the philosophy behind the university resonates with me, and the environment became welcoming. 

The woman, an admissions officer named Beth, centered her presentation not on the prestige of UPenn or the high standards required for a student to be admitted, but instead on how the university fosters the myriad of intellectual or social endeavors that students have. She highlighted this principle by tying it to the university's founder, Benjamin Franklin, a man of many hats. Franklin was an inventor, a philosopher, a philanthropist, a printer, a politician, the list continues. Beth proclaimed that UPenn seeks to have all it's students emulate Franklin's behavior, all our interests - no matter how different - should be actively pursued. 

The presentation, featuring Benjamin Franklin.

In her PowerPoint she gave a few examples of students who are studying vastly different topics, one nursing and creative writing, another, film and social activism. The notion of no limitations on our intellectual interests intrigued me; I find it quite hard to settle on one topic that I'd like to study - my interests range from English to Environmental Justice. 

What you would expect out of a tour of an Ivy League university is the laundry list of criteria to be admitted. However, Beth never mentioned the SAT, ACT, GPA requirements, or the acceptance rate of the school. Instead, she simply said that admissions reviews applications holistically, every part of the application is a different puzzle piece of an individual's story. Because she did that, I felt more comfortable. I wasn't sitting in a room full of robot geniuses and UPenn students aren't that either, I was reminded that they're human - just like me.

Beth explained that schools are relying less and less on test scores, and more on the values and story of an individual. That stuck with me. These numbers matter, but we make them more important than they really are. I don't think numbers are an accurate representation of one's intelligence and I've decided to not include them in this blog because I don't want to perpetuate that culture. 

The second part was the tour of the campus. We walked through the campus guided by Brianna. The buildings were old, but had a modern interior; green trees and lawns sprawled across the campus; and the environment was calming. She told us about the buildings that we passed and the programs they housed. UPenn's  study abroad program allows one to choose to study anywhere from a week to an entire semester. The school is known as the 'Social Ivy' for it's competitive yet supportive nature. There is a supportive community for people of all walks of life, whether it be your religious, racial, gender, or sexual identity. And there is support with academics with the libraries being open at the late and early hours of the day and two free and accommodating tutors provided during your freshman year. 

The canopy of trees on the campus

Brianna told us how professors live in apartments in the dorm buildings, she remarked that there were days when she ate dinner with them and had the ability to talk to them about more than just academics. One of her professors even baked hundred of cookies every Tuesday for students. I liked that students have the ability to foster a meaningful relationship with instructors. It makes education worthwhile when we can understand that our teachers are empathetic and approachable. 

UPenn has a very safe campus: cameras span most areas, emergency phones are on every corner, and a transportation bus is offered for late nights of studying. The university ensures that students are safe. 

Brianna noted that there is always something to do in Philadelphia. In addition to the social events held by the school, the city has plenty to do and she has never found herself bored.

Philadelphia!

The academically challenging, supportive, friendly, and genuine environment at UPenn has encouraged me to apply to the school. I can see myself walking down the paths under the canopy of green trees, studying in libraries, and exploring the nearby city of Philly. We'll see what these next few months of college app season have to offer.

Us in UPenn gear in front of the mini Love sign.

Little Bens

On Saturday morning started with a site visit and tour at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. 

The ILC provided my first two experiences with genuine college tours, and so the UPenn tour presented my first opportunity to compare how different Universities present themselves to prospective students. 

The first thing I was struck by at the start of our visit was the sheer size of the room where the pre-tour presentation took place and the highly planned and businesslike feeling of the presentation itself. We took our seats in the massive auditorium filled completely with our peers and their families all wanting to learn more about the historic Ivy. 

The Gorgeous interior of the presentation auditorium

The presentation began by talking about UPenn's founder, Benjamin Franklin, and the way that he started the school to create a place where students could receive an education spanning different interests and majors, modeled after his own life of diverse accomplishments. Our presenter, Beth, spoke about how UPenn wants its students to be like "little Bens", not confining their interests or studies to just a major checked on college applications, but instead, kids who will take advantage of a wide array of courses offered at the university pioneering their own paths. Because of this, the University offers a number of coordinated dual degree programs that allow students to take a preplanned route the combines two fields that are often otherwise regarded as separate, across two of the Universities smaller schools. For example, the Huntsman program combines international studies and business, to prepare students to play a role in the ever-expanding global economy. 

Besides the dual degree programs, the UPenn also seeks to manifest the spirit of Franklin through an emphasis on a customizable education, where students only pursuing on major can still take classes across the different sub-schools, and a robust foreign language department that allows students to create their own class with a teacher provided by the university as long as they can find 4 other friends to take it with them. 

This approach to a more fluid style of education really appealed to me as someone whos interests are not yet totally defined, and span areas that would typically be confined to separate degrees. The school also boasts an enticing study abroad arsenal with programs spanning disciplines and taking place on every continent, (Briana, our student tour guide assured us they would even send you to Antarctica if you wanted) and more than 40 countries, with any financial aid you receive for a regular semester at Penn also carrying over to your international studies. 

Beth tells us a lot about UPenn through individual stories of students that have attended the university and exemplified the Benjamin Franklin ideals, which fits with the whole theme of the overarching presentation, focusing more on the overarching valued and opportunities at Penn and shied away from the nitty gritty details of application that the student questions revealed to be what many of us wanted to know. 

While it was nice to hear an admissions officer tell us to focus on being ourselves and not worry about test scores and admissions rates, it also left me with some unanswered at a time when my thoughts about college are becoming increasingly specific. UPenn is an extremely selective school with an acceptance rate of around 10% and dropping, and those numbers really do matter. I also found the presentation a bit vague when it came to financial aid, but Beth did explain that the university provides grant-based financial ade so that students are not saddled with loans, and focuses on need-based rather than sport or merit to ensure that all those who need help will receive it, which was comforting. 

With some questions still bouncing around my brain, combined with excitement about the International Studies major and opportunities, we headed off to the walking tour portion. 

I found this section to be a lot more personal, and therefore more appealing to me as an individual. Our tour guide Briana, a rising senior at UPenn, held a genuine enthusiasm and love of the school that was clear to see, making her words enthralling and informative. 

Another group in front of one of the numerous Benjamin Franklin Statues 

She walked us through campus to a few of the major buildings making up some of UPenn's Subschools, such as the Wharton School of Business, and The College of Arts and Sciences, and even took us inside at times to see what life as a student would be like. She spoke a great deal about the vast array of clubs and organizations at UPenn, earning it the nickname, "The Social Ivy", and how that helped to create tight-knit and diverse communities within the school. She explained that the school had a relatively low rate of students involved in Greek Life, only about 25%, and that she found that with all the other opportunities for community Greek Life was there if you wanted it, but by no means a necessary element UPenn life.  

Inside The Wharton School 

In terms of food, Briana was very impressed by the food trucks she says are almost always all over campus, where one could find anything from some delicious Mexican fare, to a classic Phillie Cheesesteak.

Briana also emphasized the way Professors were extremely engaged with their students (the university has a 6:1 student to faculty ratio for undergraduates) and that the school and its faculty wanted students to succeed. All professors are required to hold office hours weekly, and UPenn will provide two free tutors for each student in order to help our with areas that they struggle with. 

Walking around campus, Briana pointed out the "blue light" system, employed by many universities to increase safety for students, where someone who is feeling uncomfortable or unsafe pushes one button and has an office at their location in 90 seconds or less. On top of this she told us that UPenn has one of the largest private police forces in the nation, and "Penn Walk", and "Penn Ride" systems that allow students safe and accompanied transport throughout campus at any time day or night. 

Walking around the gorgeous UPenn campus and attending the informational session was immensely helpful in learning not only about what that specific university has to offer, but in informing what I will be looking for in schools in general. There is nothing like being on site to feel the pulse of a university, how it functions and what makes it unique. My interest was piqued by the free-flowing nature of UPenn and its ample foreign relations studies opportunities, and we all left with comfy new UPenn merch, proudly displaying our time there.

Us in all our new gear! 

Homeward Bound

Our story picks up in Philadelphia. After the long but fun day that left us passed out in unfamiliar beds for the last time, we geared up for a final day across the country. 

The morning began with the bright light of Philadelphia streaming in through the window helping to kickstart our tired brains. We began by packing up our bags so that we would be totally ready to go and could enjoy the morning before our flight out and about around the city. 

Ana basking in the morning light

With our bags packed and ready to go, the day started on an exciting note when we found that two out of the four hotel elevators were experiencing leaks, creating a waterfall like situation on the inside. Ana and I were both very grateful to have made it in one that was still working, and with that, we stored our bags behind the counter and stepped out onto the streets of Phillie. 

The fire truck called to sort our the elevator

Our first stop was the famous Reading Terminal Market for breakfast, and even at around 9 in the morning when we arrived, the place was bustling. Full of unique shops, restaurants, boutiques, and fresh produce all tightly packed around each other with small isles for patrons to peruse the products, guided by neon signs overhead, the place made quite the sensory wakeup call.  

One of the many lively shops in the market

We all were immediately drawn to a lively crepe stand right by where we entered and spent a few minutes exploring our surroundings until our food arrived, and was subsequently devoured. We spent the next couple hours in the market, scurrying through the seemingly endless maze of shops, and getting lost more than once as we smelled candles, purchased gifts, and gazed at the tempting delicacies that many shops had to offer. 

Soon we were finished with the Reading Terminal Market, if only to leave room for other activities in our day, and made our way on foot to another popular Phillie attraction: the Philadelphia Magic Garden. A true testament to one artist's dedication to his craft, and his neighborhood, the eye-catching reflective installation was started as part of a successful effort to keep the city from building a highway through the residential area. Although the Magic Garden is immediately visible from the street, the true majesty of it can only be enjoyed from inside. 

Upon entering you are immediately greeted by light bouncing from every direction and vibrant colors that seem to jump off the walls. It helps that the mosaic nature of the installation means many of the pieces are quite literally poking out of the cement surfaces towards you. I enjoyed walking through the structure, but liked, even more, sitting in the corner where I could slowly take in the intricate details surrounding me. 

Ana in just one nook of the Magic Gardens

From the Magic Gardens, we moved further on foot to a quick pit stop for some energy giving snacks and drinks before resolving to enjoy a nice lunch in the historic area of Philadelphia. This turned out to be a great idea because while waiting for a spot in the restaurant we stumbled upon Benjamin Franklin's house and original post office and print shop. Getting to learn more about such an important member of America history, and the founder of UPenn was certainly a treat. 

The still sanding home owned by Frankin next to his own

We enjoyed our lunches, grabbed some deserts for the road, and headed to the airport.

It seems that the traveling gods were not in our favor once again, our flight was delayed to the point where we were put onto another one, from there we barely made our connection in Pheonix, and the cherry on top was my bag being lost somehow in Houston. 

On our way home

Altogether, we were pretty tuckered out when we finally touched down on Oakland, but still in good spirits and so happy to be home. We made our way deliriously through the airport for the last time and all reveled in the well missed cool climate of the Bay Area. 

When the doors of the van opened back at ECHS and we had made it full circle to where it all began, the first thing I did was hug my mom, so happy to see here in person again. 

At 1:30 in the morning my brain was not hanging on particularly well but we managed to take some pictures, sign cards for the amazing sponsors that made our trip possible, and give each other all one last big hug, promising to meet up again soon. 

Rockstar cohort and best friends

The long day ended with the happy faces and wagging tails of my dogs and a quick text to my friends from VSA letting them know I had indeed made it home. 

Traveling Endeavors

The comforts of my bed clung to me as my alarm tolled. I was in a daze. Today would be our last day before returning to California, I had not quite wrapped my head around the fact that this trip would come to an end. 

Despite it being our last day, we still had lots planned. To jolt Audrey and I out of our morning spell, I opened up the window to let in the Philadelphia light and played some music. We had to pack and be in the lobby with our luggage at 9:00 A.M. Even though we'd been at the hotel for a day, our suitcases were wide open with clothing spilling all over the floor - packing sure was a chore.

In Middle School I was a Food Network fanatic, I would watch those shows where food lovers travel around the country in search of the best food - Reading Terminal Market was a popular site to visit. I was so excited to visit the place for myself since for so long I only saw it through the screen of my TV. 

Reading Terminal!

The Market was bustling with activity: merchants were preparing food for the day, people milled through aisles, delicious smells wafted through the air, and friendly voices rang. This was not your typical farmer's market. It was authentic, friendly, and versatile. Merchants sold more than just food. There was a stall selling Morrocan carved jewelry boxes and leather handbags. Another sold essential oil products: soaps, candles, hand cream. For breakfast, we ate crepes. Then we wandered through the stalls and made a few purchases. I bought a candle for my sister along with some raspberries. 

This beautiful display of fruit.

Following the Market, we walked to Magic Gardens, a folk art studio. In the 70's, the site along with the surrounding area was to be demolished and have a highway constructed through it, local artists successfully protested it and created the beautiful space that exists today. Magic Gardens prides itself on housing unconventional art. The outdoor area takes you through a maze-like path that uses bicycle wheels, mirrors, tiles, and more random objects to create mosaics. There is not one empty space: colors, objects, and beauty follow you. 

The blue caught my eye in this piece.

An employee told me that the founder, Isaiah, cuts the mirrors himself, finds the glass bottles, and travels to different countries to find statues and figurines. She told me that the museum is still a work in progress, every Tuesday the center is closed for Isaiah to develop his piece. The museum is astonishing, you would expect so many colors and objects put together to give you a headache, but instead, the objects are a beautiful symphony. My favorite pieces were the ones with faces painted on them, the simplicity behind a pair of eyes, a nose, and a mouth is calming and powerful. 

Art can be found in anything.

After lunch, we returned to the hotel to fetch our luggage then drove to the airport to begin our travels. We were prepared for delays, extended waiting periods, and lugging heavy bags - the usual airport experience. During the month of July we sure have had our fair share of airports and knew our way around them. It was no surprise that we would have a layover in Nashville, then a second flight to Oakland. 

At our gate, we waited delay after delay for our flight. We sat watching The Office, played cards, took naps, then wandered the airport in search of decent food. Most of it has become a blur in my mind. When we began boarding the plane and the flight attendant scanned my boarding pass, inside of the affirmative ding indicating we could enter the plane, we got a lower abrupt ding. We were directed to a woman at a front desk and were informed that we were instead flying to Phoenix and would then take a connecting flight to Oakland. We waited some more. Talked some more. Pet a few more dogs, then we finally boarded the plane. I slept for most of the flight and read my book. The second flight was the same, nothing eventful other than aggressive turbulence. 

Waiting for our flight. 

When our shuttle pulled up to El Cerrito High School, I was greeted by the warm welcoming arms of my Mom. I was so happy to see her - it felt like only yesterday that she was seeing me off to Nashville. After Don snapped a few pictures and we signed some cards, we said our goodbyes and drove to the comforts of our homes. When I opened the door of my home, my dog, Jimmy, greeted me with a kiss on my nose, he had taken over my bed for the past few weeks and gave me a sad look as I reclaimed it. I'm so glad to be back in California. 

The Vanderbilt cohort returns to California.

Tough Goodbye

These last few days have been a rollercoaster, I will do my best to sum up all the ups, downs, and loop-dee-loops over the course of this post. 

We pick up our adventure on Wednesday, with the second to last day of class and our class's last day of presentations. I was able to sit back and relax, having already given mine as my classmates shared issues close to their hearts. It was fascinating, if a bit uncomfortable, to hear opinions that are not typically voiced in the Bay Area. 

The day seemed to speed by, speeches intertwined with lecturing from Dr. Kotch about complex rhetorical theory covering how we understand the world around us, and what that means for our current political climate. 

When class had finished we had some free time until dinner which I spent with Julie soaking up the last few days that we would have together. 

Dinner was followed by SOFT time during which Julie, Nyra, Mia and I ordered in chicken from Natty B's (well they did, I had fries and Commons food earlier) and watched Mama Mia in the open area on our floor, half watching the film and half engaging in, at times, silly and, at times, deep conversations. 

Nyra trying to figure out the delivery system

I am someone who does not handle endings well, I feel a looming sadness when I finish a good book, I have cried at the end of most school years, and I have never finished a TV show. So, needless to say, the ending of the magical experience we had at VSA approaching threw me for a loop. That nights PGM already had my eyes stinging and throat choked up. 

The next morning meant the last full day of VSA. I remained fully in denial that some of the best weeks of my life would soon come to a close. 

Caroline's alarm jerked me awake as usual, and I began my now very familiar morning routine in the dorm. 

We headed off to breakfast, this time embellished by the option of donuts, and while I did not choose to partake, they were certainly tempting. 

My class had agreed that our last day would be spent watching movies (rhetoric related ones) and eating as much sugar as possible. 

The morning passed quickly as we watched. "The Great Debaters", and the afternoon followed suit, occupied by a documentary on King George VI  of England, and an episode of, "The West Wing", the exemplified post 9/11 rhetoric. 

Some final words from Dr. Koch

Our last class was followed immediately by VSA closing ceremonies, consisting of speeches from various leaders, and a slideshow showcasing some of the highlights of VSA, but most importantly, the winner of the House Cup, our three-week long competition, and of the scavenger hunt way back on the second day. Julie and I ended up next to each other at the auditorium and we held out a breath as each result was announced, erupting into applause when the words "V-House" and "Payton's Group" echoed in succession through the room. We had won, twice! 

We practically skipped back to the dorms for free time during which Julie, Sydney, and I all enjoyed each others company goofing off while Sydney's hair was transformed for the upcoming final dance. 

Before I knew it dinner had come and gone and we had a little time to get into dance appropriate attire and make our way down to the disco light-filled auditorium. 

We danced the next few hours away to hits spanning the last few decades, and we headed back to the dorms for a final night. 

We spent our last Proctor Group Meeting taking part in a special closing activity that brought me and many others to tears. Our typical lights out deadline had been extended so we soaked up the remaining hours we had with each other in preparation for the next morning when we would all bid goodbye to VSA. 

I woke up early on our final morning to see Julie off as she left for the airport before breakfast, squeezing in one last tearful hug. 

Once I had returned to my room, I forced myself to start packing, one of the things that all that denial had compelled me to put off. 

When I was almost fully packed I sat down on my bed for the last time to write a letter to Payton. She made my experience at VSA so incredibly wonderful, and being as full of abundant emotion as I am, I knew that I wouldn't be able to tell her with my voice just how much she meant to me. The tears had started with saying goodbye to Julie and they did not stop for the rest of the morning.

Next, it was our last meal in Commons and I said goodbye to all my friends who I did not share a floor with before we headed back to the dorms. 

Besides Anna and Cyndi, I did not share a floor with these girls.

Slowly more and more people were picked up, each punctuated with hugs and parting words of appreciation.

Just as I had predicted, when it was my time to leave I was too overcome with emotion to say much to anyone, I hugged, Caroline, Nyra, and Sydney tightly and stepped into the elevator with Ms. Sciacca and the rest of the ILC girls. 

I was able to say one final goodbye to Payton in the parking lot right before we left, and by "say", I mean cry and hug some more but soon it was all over and were off to the airport. 

The day's adventures were just beginning, and I will try my best to recount the next 14 hours but the physically and emotionally taxing nature of the day means that the memories are a bit of a blur. 

Ms. Sciacca had found out that morning that our flight from Chicago to Philidelphia had been canceled and so our travel plans were in the air. Luckily, she was able to work some quick magic and we ended up with a flight to New York and train tickets from there to Philadelphia, it sounded pretty simple in theory. 

In reality, the time was full of excitement to see New York, a lot of reading and watching TV and was mostly colored by sheer exhaustion.

We arrived at our hotel at 1:30 in the morning still standing on mysterious energy and headed quickly up to our rooms for much-needed sleep. 

That brings us to this morning. We were able to sleep until eight and then met Ms. Sciacca in the lobby and walked to a quick breakfast before heading to our tour of the University of Pensylvania.

With our time at Vanderbilt for context, I came into this tour with a very different perspective than the last one, knowing that I lean towards a smaller school with a strong emphasis on community (like Vanderbilt). Penn, as they all called it, is not small by any means but it peaked my interest in other ways with its unique focus on blending studies across many fields, modeled off the far-spanning accomplishments of its founder Benjamin Fraklin. Penn also offers an international studies major, which is what I think I want to go into and numerous complimentary courses.

The gorgeous ceiling of the information auditorium 

After the information center,  the walking portion began with our tour guide Briana and we got to see the beauty that is the Penn Campus as well as learns more about the supportive but still intense environment of the school.

Briana broke down the school to its smaller sub-schools and we visited each once, learning about classes available there as well as more about life at Penn and Briana's experiences there. By the end of the tour, most of us were seriously considering applying to Penn.

We then headed to the bookstore to pick up some UPenn merch, generously sponsored by ILC and then posed at a smaller recreation of the famous "LOVE", a sign to get some pictures. Ms. Sciacca snapped away, and once complete we were satisfied we headed to lunch.

Lunch consisted of an East Coast specialty, Shake Shack, which packed a pretty great veggie burger that well enjoyed, and the shakes weren't bad either.

From lunch, we shifted gears to head to Eastern State Penitentiary, a prison erected back in 1800's that is now open to tours. I had not expected to be able to use the skills I learned in my class so soon, but when we walked through the large opening gate I immediately put on my metaphorical biological criticism glasses to examine the underlying messages of how the prison was presented.

I found that like many museums on controversial topics (Eastern State practices would be considered torture by many today), the tour focused mostly on how the Prison was viewed at the time and tried to avoid the making any connections to how it would be viewed today. The tour guide even explained that they tried to present just the facts and let visitors make up their own minds, but I noted the dulled language when describing the horrendous ways that prisoners were treated, and emphasis on the intentions of those who created it told a story of there own. 

From there we headed to see the famous Liberty bell briefly with its even more famous crack before heading back to the hotel just long enough to catch our breath and go back out for dinner.

We had Mexican food for the first time since leaving California, and although we all agreed there was some room for improvement, the restaurant itself was very cool and the food was nourishing.

Our last activity of the day also took place the farthest from the ground, 57 stories of the ground to be precise. We went to the One Liberty Observation deck and were watched the sunset over the vast expanses of the city.

Just one of the many views