I learned about so many different topics in my program including Sports Media, Drug and Violence in Sports, Patriotism, Marketing and Financial Principals, and many more. We also watched many documentaries related to the topics on that day. These documentaries helped explain the topics further and added different perspectives. A couple things that I learned in the class were the unequal distribution of money in college sports, how dangerous concussions are in football for the long-term, and the how the media can sometimes exaggerate on stories such as steroids in sports. A specific event that occurred at my program that had a significant impact on me was the color run. This was the first color run I’ve ever participated in and it was a blast! At the end of the run, we all took pictures to save this wonderful memory. This program has influenced my plans for the future. I now realize how exciting it is to go away for college. Although it did make me miss the city, I realized that this is a part of the full college experience. You must live and exploring on your own in college. I also learned how difficult college really is. I only took one class and it was a lot of work. I would gladly recommend this program to a friend as it allows you to gain the experiences and feeling of college life. The advice that I would give to other students attending the Ithaca Summer College program is to not be afraid to make friends, definitely bring a fan, and have fun! 
Below is a picture of us enjoying the waterfall at Truman State Park and a picture after the color run.

In the first day of the Ithaca Summer College program, I was quite anxious, but at the same time really excited. I didn’t know anyone who else who was attending the same program, but I was open to meeting new people, because that’s what college is all about. One of the first people I met was my roommate, Gideon. He lives in New York City just like me, and as it turns out, we also have a friend in common, what a small world. I started talking to more people and I realized that most participants of the program currently live in New York City.  Other participants came as far as France and China! The thing that surprised me was how quickly everyone started to feel comfortable talking and getting to know one another. I’ll say that it took about two days for this to occur. I noticed that when I was around the other participants 24/7, we created this bond that seemed different from causal friends. This bond seemed somewhat stronger.  Below is a picture with my new friend Mohamed. 

For me, the most exciting thing about attending the Ithaca Pre-college program is the experience of actually experiencing “college life.” This includes being away from my family, hanging out with friends, and living in a college dorm. I am also excited about the Introduction to Sports Industry course because I am interested in a career in sports. I am going into my senior year so my primary goal is to learn if I am ready to be away from my family and experience the residential college life. I am most nervous about being away from my family and not being able to eat my mother’s cooking everyday. I believe that a challenge that I am going to face during this experience is the college work itself. I will overcome this challenge by doing simple tasks, such as taking great notes, communicating with my professor, and doing my best. 

Thank you so much for your generous donation. I really appreciate your support in furthering my dream of going to college. I know my experience at the Ithaca Pre-College program will be amazing and I would not be able to attend without your help. Once again thank you so much.