An Amazing Night of Connections and Conversations

Last night at Jardiniere's was amazing. At first I was nervous about my speech and hastily wrote down some notes on the BART train to make sure I wouldn't blank out when I was in front of everybody. But when I got up there, I discovered that I couldn't even see my notes at all! Instead I decided to improvise, and actually started enjoying myself. It helped that everyone was introduced and didn't feel like complete strangers to me. Every time I speak in front of a large audience it gets easier. Thank you to the organizers for giving me that chance yesterday. Also, congratulations to Megan for giving a smooth, beautiful speech!

Afterwards, I talked with Cherie about how the view of women changed over time from the 1820s to the present. Dawn Atwater, sitting next to me, shared stories about having to wear a girdle because it was the social norm and even required for her job. It was so interesting to learn about this firsthand from people who had experienced it.

I also heard about someone who is on her way to doing something very different from the social norm. It turns out that Madeline Kronenberg's daughter is planning to go to university in Medellín, Colombia. That's a funny coincidence, because my dad is from Colombia and my mom studied for many years there. Ms. Kronenberg said that one positive thing that had come out of her daughter's decision was that her daughter had learned to pursue what she wanted, even though many people she told about it were shocked and thought she was a little "nutty".

I also met Peggy, who knows the joys and difficulties of being a student athlete. She encouraged me to investigate later whether or not I will be allowed to bring my figure skates to Brown so I can train on the university's ice surface during the three weeks I will be there. I would love to skate on that ice; I really hope I will be allowed to train there.

On the ride back, I had a great time talking to Sue from Pinole Valley High School. I told her what my favorite classes were and why I liked them the best.  I have so many favorite classes that I have only a vague idea of what my career path might be. She reminded me that in the future, there may be jobs that don't even exist now, and that it's good that I keep an open mind. Several people, in fact, advised me to take my time with important decisions like majors and careers, because they know the full consequences of not thinking twice.

Everyone that I talked to assured me that I would love Brown. Every time I attend an event with the Ivy League Connection, I feel more lucky and grateful that I can go through with the program. Thank you very much to everyone who made this dinner possible. It's just amazing to know that people care about us and want us to experience the best things life has to offer. Thank you for the opportunity to network and make connections with alums, staff, parents, students, and other contributors to the program. I hope everyone enjoyed this night as much as I did!

P. S. About a week ago, several ILC students, including myself, attended a college admissions information session led by Ms. Sue Kim! We received a binder that contains all the information, recommendations, and requirements related to going to college. She let us know that she will be here to help us throughout the college admissions process and encouraged us to set up individual meetings. I am so happy that I will have a priceless resource in the dedication and knowledge of Ms. Kim, in addition to the great counseling and College-Career Center staff at El Cerrito HS.

P. P. S. I apologize for not always remembering people's full names or their correct pronunciations. I met so many people yesterday that it was hard to keep the names all matched up in my head. Even if I don't remember your name correctly at the moment, I still remember the conversations we had and the wonderful night we shared. Hopefully we will be able to cement the initial connections that we made yesterday evening.

Food and Fun

Today's dinner was simply amazing. I could not have been any happier. All around me were people who were extremely friendly as well as very excited. Having a big dinner with everyone involved in the ILC, the school district and the Brown alumni made it very memorable for me. I finally got to meet Mariana Zavala and her mother as well as Antonio Medrano and Jose Vilar; all of these people were kind and just as excited as I was.

The presentations went very well although at times it was difficult to hear everything that the speaker was trying to say. It became a difficult task to really pay attention. Thankfully, I got to hear many things, including Irene's and Megan's speeches (which were really awesome!) and also the Brown alumni. It proceeded through the night very smoothly and very quickly I would say. Most importantly, it was a wonderful night.

Overall, I can say that this night has made me open my eyes to the many opportunities I have right at my doorstep. Of course, these possibilities would not be here if it weren't for great people like Mr. Ramsey (who taught me a valuable lesson today, I might add), the rest of the school board and everyone else who puts in their time and effort into our education and our development.

Again, I can't wait to visit Brown! It's just around the corner! I'm glad to be part of the WCCUSD, my community and my school.

Brown Dinner

The Brown dinner was terrific! It had the best combination of fun and food that could have ever been. There were the terrific speeches and meeting new people made it all the better. It was very touching to hear from all the sponsors and the Brown Alumni and even members of the school district. Ms. Kronenberg was a terrific host and she opened everything up perfectly. It was very fun and the setting could not have been better. It was great to hear that all the positive things that everyone had to say about the program. It is very much an honor to be a part of the program. What I am not shocked from is that the program is the top program in the nation. It is a very well put together program and I hope it continues because one of the things I remember Mr. Ramsey say is "I may not be alive forever, but the district will" and that it takes more than just one person to run everything.

It meant a lot to hear from Don, who sat next to me, all that is happening around the school district. I definitely learned a lot. It was also a treat to learn how much expertise Don has at photography and it was amazing to see him in action and the size of both of his lenses were shockers. It was very nice to hear how well everyone at the table just seemed to mesh. Seems like the only time there was an awkward moment was when the waiter brought me a regular beer instead of a root beer, but that was all resolved very quickly.

What I found the most interesting is how kind and welcoming everything was. To be honest, this was not what I was expecting. I was expecting strict quietness and everyone keeping to themselves and eating their food, but it was the total opposite. It was a relaxed and friendly environment where everyone was chatting and having a great time.

One of the top moments in my book were Megan and Irene's speeches. They were great. The only problem was the lighting but that was nothing that would ruin the night. I think they were fine choices to have to represent both of the Brown sessions. It was great to hear from the mentors and how they help students like me get into the schools of their dreams. I feel that there are more opportunities and although I may still like UCLA, that bright light is starting to get more and more dim by the second.

I know this is just the first of many more events to happen and I cannot wait until the next one and everyone did a great job and see you next time!