My five weeks at the Skidmore Pre-College Summer Program were some of the best experiences and memories I could ever attain.   I took two classes that were both about three hours long: Introduction to Sociology and Writing Seminar. Both classes helped me learn more about topics I am interested in studying when I go to college. I now feel more confident about my writing abilities. I also learned about several different societal perspectives and why people act the way they do. I now see life differently and have more desire to attend college.  Skidmore definitely impacted my life, beyond what I learned in the classroom. Before the program, I was suffering from a minor form of depression. I was very excited to get away from my regular life in order to better myself and conquer this challenge.  One major event during my program was the Skidmore Pre-College Student Performance. I performed an original piece of poetry and was a dancer in two choreographed pieces. At the end of the performance, I felt closer to those who participated with me. This experience brought me to a better state of mind. I now feel more optimistic and I believe that anything can be accomplished. Even through hardships, depression can no longer get the better of me. Now, as I look forward to my future, I see how great I am as an individual, and the idea of college is exciting, rather than frightening. I can very clearly see a future for myself. I am now prepared for life outside of school because of this experience. I also feel I have matured during my time at this program.  I would highly recommend this program to everyone. This program was honestly incredible. Beyond the initial homesickness, the program was so beneficial and amazing. I believe that as an individual, I have changed immensely. Even though I sometimes wanted to race home, I know now that I am prepared to venture from home to start a life for myself. I also know that this is the same for many people who attended the program. Skidmore Pre-College Program has changed us, all in a positive manner. For all future students attending this program, the best advice I could give is something that my Resident Advisor told me: “You have something to gain from everyone here; go and get it.” I suggest being open-minded, optimistic, and to make friends. Take this opportunity to learn from everyone. My five weeks at Skidmore were amazing and I wouldn’t replace it with anything. 

My first day at Skidmore Pre-College program was one of pure fascination. I discovered that along with me were several people from New York City as well. The people are very kind and I instantly made friends. Since it was not the first day of classes and all we were required to do was attend orientation. We had our first dinner that day and it went by swiftly.  Overall it was a very fun day. Among friends we enjoyed simply talking about experiences back home and how we got to the program. My first day at Skidmore was amazing and so were the days that followed. One thing that very much surprised me was how close all of us really are and how small this world really is. Even if none of us lived near each other, the amount of hobbies and activities we all share made us much closer than we would have expected and of course brought us together.

The Skidmore pre-college program has me very excited to learn new things about my favorite topics. I have goals for myself: I want to make sure I expand my knowledge and experience different perspectives. I am nervous and excited for the challenges I will face at Skidmore this summer. I look forward to the college work and living on a college campus. This program is extremely important to me for my future. I know that I can do this and make my future happen. Thank you so much for helping me with this opportunity.

I really appreciate your generosity. Without this I would never be able to experience this amazing opportunity and I hope to gain so much knowledge through the Skidmore pre-college program. With your help I hope and plan to succeed. Thank you very much for this opportunity and your hard work. I am very grateful.