my reward for serving the woRld. a Little inspiration.
In 2013, I officially became a scholar. What exactly did that mean to me? It meant that I had been given a title for working vigorously for four years in high school, both academically and in serving my community, with no reward intended but the satisfaction I gained for myself. The smiling faces of the elderly couple I helped by translating Haitian-Creole to the librarian, tutoring my chemistry students, helping my friends study and pass their NYS regents, and becoming a mentor, both at school and for my little brother at home, was my serving the world. Discouraged by a previous scholarship rejection and under the influence of senioritis, I was discouraged to apply for any more scholarships. However, due to Hurricane Sandy, back in 2012, the application deadline was extended for the Coca-Cola Scholarship Program. And there it was. It was my blatant sign to apply. The deadline that I had just missed had somehow became available to me again. Now, I am a big believer in the saying “everything happens for a reason," and so I had a good feeling about this one. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program was different from regular scholarships as although they required a student who excelled academically, they more so wanted leaders -- as I am -- and students who are changing the world by positively influencing their communities one day at a time. Two months later, boom, I became a Coca-Cola Scholar semi-finalist. My efforts in my community and school took me this far and so I took the steps that were further needed.
On February 15th 2013, I got my “email moment.” Out of 100,000 applicants and then 2,100 semifinalists, I was awarded-- among 249 others-- the Coca-Cola Scholarship representing the 25th class of Coke scholars. I cried -- tears of joy that is. To wake up and see that email, I was euphoric. The happiness did not stop there. Coca-Cola invited all of the scholars to Atlanta from April 18th- April 21st, 2013 for a “memorable weekend to celebrate us.” That was the best weekend of my 2013 year. The people, the networking, the attention, the delicious meals, the applause, the honor, the chance, the inspiration, the positivity, and of course, Tom Brokaw's speech was illuminated every corner I turned. Everyone there was amazing, everyone there had something unique to offer, and everyone was a leader. What was so great was that I was a part of them! In my High School’s community, I was considered one of the few leaders. But there, I was surrounded by 249 others who were just like me! The environment was overwhelmingly encouraging, inspiring, and blissful. I met people from California, Wisconsin, Germany, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Indiana, Utah, North Carolina, and the states (and countries) go on. I enjoyed every minute of my weekend, from Thursday to Sunday morning. The banquet, held on the first night where Tom Brokaw spoke, was one of my favorite experiences. It was so elegant. There had to be over 100 tables in the room that night. The lights centered on the stage where the scholars walked on to it and were greeted by an astounding number of applause. The banquet was also filled with endless possibilities for networking with the companies and bottlers who funded the scholarship program. Saturday afternoon, the scholars ventured out to do some fulfilling community service. But, of course we would! This is what we do, that was why we were there. That morning the scholars laughed and joked around while cutting down shrubs and helping to clear up the park. What a great experience.
"I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities." The Coca-Cola Scholarship Program was one of those opportunities. And the best part of it all is that all the scholars will always be connected as we have an active Facebook group page for the class of 2013 as well as . And so, my take home message to you is to never give up; had I given up and not applied, I would have missed this spark that gave me life.
On February 15th 2013, I got my “email moment.” Out of 100,000 applicants and then 2,100 semifinalists, I was awarded-- among 249 others-- the Coca-Cola Scholarship representing the 25th class of Coke scholars. I cried -- tears of joy that is. To wake up and see that email, I was euphoric. The happiness did not stop there. Coca-Cola invited all of the scholars to Atlanta from April 18th- April 21st, 2013 for a “memorable weekend to celebrate us.” That was the best weekend of my 2013 year. The people, the networking, the attention, the delicious meals, the applause, the honor, the chance, the inspiration, the positivity, and of course, Tom Brokaw's speech was illuminated every corner I turned. Everyone there was amazing, everyone there had something unique to offer, and everyone was a leader. What was so great was that I was a part of them! In my High School’s community, I was considered one of the few leaders. But there, I was surrounded by 249 others who were just like me! The environment was overwhelmingly encouraging, inspiring, and blissful. I met people from California, Wisconsin, Germany, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Indiana, Utah, North Carolina, and the states (and countries) go on. I enjoyed every minute of my weekend, from Thursday to Sunday morning. The banquet, held on the first night where Tom Brokaw spoke, was one of my favorite experiences. It was so elegant. There had to be over 100 tables in the room that night. The lights centered on the stage where the scholars walked on to it and were greeted by an astounding number of applause. The banquet was also filled with endless possibilities for networking with the companies and bottlers who funded the scholarship program. Saturday afternoon, the scholars ventured out to do some fulfilling community service. But, of course we would! This is what we do, that was why we were there. That morning the scholars laughed and joked around while cutting down shrubs and helping to clear up the park. What a great experience.
"I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities." The Coca-Cola Scholarship Program was one of those opportunities. And the best part of it all is that all the scholars will always be connected as we have an active Facebook group page for the class of 2013 as well as . And so, my take home message to you is to never give up; had I given up and not applied, I would have missed this spark that gave me life.
COPING MECHANISMS FOR DEALING WITH SENIORITIS.Teens all over the world feel that you are feeling right now as a high school senior. From the rigorous college process, to the follow-up emails, to financial aid and FAFSA, to decision making, to heavy course loads, to leadership roles, to interviews, to jobs, the list goes on and on. As a senior, personally, I know I felt tired and overloaded having to juggle so many things! So, have no fear because you are not alone! Stress is natural and although you may feel like giving up, don’t. Look how far I came and look how far you will go. Now, look back. You see that? You have come too far to stop trying. Until you reach all the goals you have set out for yourself, finding healthy ways to manage your stress is essential. Here are a few coping mechanisms that worked for me:
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Tips for PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
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