I wanted to inform you that I was able to get into one of my dream schools- Columbia University! But most of all, I really wanted to take the time to give a few words because I do acknowledge that I am not the only one to get the credit for where I am.
I consider (HS)2 to be one, if not the most, fundamental program that really helped me be a better person than who I previously was. I truly am indebted to all of the faculty who took the time out of their summers to be with a group of kids like me who are in search of higher education. Furthermore, every time I returned home with the knowledge I gained, I was always eager to come back for more, and that is one of the beauties of (HS)2! My eagerness to return each summer was fueled not only by my thirst for knowledge but also by the sense of community fostered at (HS)2.
In regard to the community, home is an understatement. Every day I never failed to learn something new from my peers and teachers. (HS)2 allowed me to experience a world of academics, but at the same time, it was a subjective world beyond numbers- a world that cherished human interaction aside from the academic competition. Not only that but what is there to say about the faculty?! Each and every single one of them was open and determined to teach us, not only in an academic subject but about life. I am extremely grateful to them for sparking intellectual curiosity each time we interacted, and for always teaching me something new!
I do not know where I would be had I not been chosen to participate in (HS)2. Thank you for taking and accepting me into this wondrous community that has enabled me to grow, both intellectually and emotionally. I also want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Lasater for their continued support and their vision of providing resources to scholars from underserved communities – without them, I would not have had the chance to foster the friendships that I have made over the past three years.
As my high school career comes to an end and my journey at Columbia nears, I will cherish both the lessons and memories that were created through this program. Words of appreciation do not suffice to express my gratitude towards the impact of this program and its existence. Once again, thank you for providing this opportunity to me- I am forever in your debt!
reprinted from the 2017 Annual Report