Attending the UConn Pre- Summer Program was absolutely AMAZING. I was scared of going there because I wasn't sure if I'd make friends or fit in. When I got there it was a little strange, there were all of these new faces. After we had all introduced ourselves, we all instantly found our own group of friends. One of my biggest concerns was if I would get along with my roommate. My roommate and I instantly connected. We spent our mornings talking about the different places that we were from. I didn't expect people to travel so far for this program but I ended up making friends with a girl named Bithia who came all the way from Ghana!! Anyways, we would share school stories and talk about our interests. After breakfast, we would walk to get coffee then head to class. I'll admit my friends and I thought it would be easy to get around campus. Well, it kind of was. If it were for the RMs (Residental Mangers) we would have no clue where we were going. they guided us around campus and after a couple of days, we learned how to navigate ourselves.
The class that I took was amazing. At first, I thought there's no way I could ever be as smart as the other students. Then, I realized that each person had their strengths and weaknesses. I personally struggle with all the computer projects but my teammates were amazing with stuff like coding. But when it came to putting wires and designing hands-on projects I was the one to do the job. We ended up designing a heart monitor that shows your heartbeat using a sensor and LEDs. we were then supposed to design them for everyday uses. My team made a hat that has a sensor that lays right on your temple to measure your heartbeat. I had a video for you but unfortunately, the person who took the video accidentally deleted it.
Usually, after class, we would go to lunch. I loved the dining hall for lunch. every day would be a different theme for the food. I wanted to reach out of my comfort zone so sometimes I would try new things. One time I had swordfish. I was unsure about it at first but it actually was very good. My friends and I always finished lunch early so we would take that time to explore more of the campus. one time after lunch we stopped to get ice cream in a bucket just for $3 none of us could finish the ice cream, it was worth it. Another day, we went to the Gamble Pavillion. I had never seen a basketball court as big as Gamble. We took pictures and watched Coco. It was breathtaking the way the lights shined onto the court. I'm no basketball player but when you're standing in the middle of that court, you can picture hundreds of people cheering.
When our lunch adventures came to an end, we would usually head to our workshops. The workshops teach you different lessons for college or just life in general. I've learned how to keep a growth mindset, how to set/ achieve goals, how to learn more about myself and finding the type of person I am and who I want to be in the future.
Dinner is on the next part of the schedule. Dinner would start at 5 pm and we would finish at around 6. When my friends and I finish with dinner we head downstairs to the game room. Usually, we end up playing in a very competitive game of pool. At 7 pm we were given a list of that night's activities and we could join in on any activity. we would watch movies, play volleyball, go downtown for shopping or food, sometimes we would just stay in the game room and talk. We would do this till 10 and then we'd get ready for bed and head off to sleep.
When the last day came around, there was a talent show being held. It was amazing!! There were people who sang, solved puzzles, danced, arm wrestled, lip-synced, you name it! By the end, it turned more into a party than a talent show. That day was very special to me. It was the first time that I had ever sung in front of people. everyone was supportive and cheered me on. I even had a couple of people come up to me and said that I sounded so good!!
Attending this program taught me that I love engineering and coffee!! It also taught me that I have to live every day to the fullest and that dreams are just goals with a due date. I am so so so thankful for this opportunity. I couldn't have done this without everyone who donated. I am especially thankful for my advocate who helped and believed in me through this whole process.
Thank you,
MyQueen

P.S here is a video link in case you want to see more of what my experience was like.
https://youtu.be/gwmbG7LEabY

I am so excited to attend my program tomorrow. I am ready for a life-changing experience. I am so grateful for Wishbone and my donators for helping me get this opportunity. I'll make sure to keep you guys posted. Stay tuned.