In my program, I was able to
study about the general topics in forensics and I learned mostly about the techniques
used in this field of study to solve actual crimes. During the very first
class, the professor told us about the different jobs within the crime scene
investigation; he specifically said that to be a forensic scientist, one really
wants to focus on the study of a science-related skill, like DNA analysis.
During this first class, I realized that I wasn’t too excited about the idea of
sitting in a lab doing tests on evidence; therefore, this first class made me
realize that what I actually want to study is more on the law side of crime
investigation. I really enjoyed the class throughout the week but while I was
studying the science behind certain evidence, I was more focused on how I could
use such evidence to argue in a law setting, like court. This program made
realize that instead of studying forensics, I would rather take criminal
justice courses or some law-related classes when I get to college. I know that
I don’t want to be a scientist but would rather be a detective of some sort. I
would definitely recommend this program to a friend for two reasons. First, it
helped me clear up my mind on what I want to study so it could help others in
the same situation. Secondly, being that it was a pre-college program, the work
load was college level. I wasn’t completely prepared for it but this program
helped me learn about time-management and helped me mentally prepare for the
amount of work for just one college course; it helps create a reasonable image
of a college lifestyle within a short amount of time. My advice for future
students would be to enjoy the class, the time you have there and spend it just
meeting people from different places because you would want the worst part of
the entire program to be when you have to come back home, like it was for me.

My first day was what really
surprised me about the program and it set a nice tone to what I should expect
for the rest of the week. I wasn’t too excited about going to a place where I
knew no one. The beginning of the day wasn’t all that bad since I had my mom
and sister with me; however, once they left, nerves settled in and I was scared
that I wouldn’t meet anyone. I eventually made my first friend within an hour
of being left alone and she was from Puerto Rico. Now, I never would have
expected that meeting strangers would be so easy, which is the first aspect
that surprised me: everyone was super nice. Secondly, the fact that she was
from Puerto Rico was surprising as well; I heard that I would be able to meet
people from different backgrounds and different cultures but it never crossed
my mind that I would actually experience that. My first day influenced me to be
open-minded about what was to come and be excited about who I would meet.

I’m most excited about being able to learn about my potential major, forensic science. I am also excited about doing this program at such a successful high-standing university like Brown; it’s possible that I would apply to Brown as an undergrad so it’s exciting to just know that I may be in the same campus in two years. Because I am attending a program that is most likely more vigorous than my normal work-load, my goal is to get through the program having learned more about forensics, of course, but also having grown and learned about myself. I know myself in a normal work setting but I don't know how I am in a more independent environment. This would be what I'm most nervous about because not knowing how I will be in such an environment can cause a little anxiousness but at least this will be a learning experience, no matter what happens. A challenge may be overcoming my shyness; meeting and interacting with new people isn't my best skill. However, I know that, in order for this program to be more than just a college course, -but also a fun experience- at some point I'm going to have to get past all that demureness and make some friends. 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this program. It really means a lot that my interest in learning about forensics has influenced you to help me in attending Summer@Brown. Thank you so much for your generosity and I appreciate your support. Thanks to you, by the end of this summer, I will have potentially finalized my decision on my major and possibly know where I will be attending once I graduate from high school.