Sociology

For the most part, the class aspect of going to college was not too bad. My class was interesting and not too hard. The teacher always had a story to relate the information to real life. To me, this class was a little too easy. It didn't seem like a real representation of a college class, but it may have been. The subject may have just come easily to me. The other students in the class (non-summer scholars) were okay. For the most part, many of them were nice and inviting. However, there were a few students that were rude and disrespectful to us scholars. They seemed jealous that they did not have the experience we have under their belts. Except for this minor thing, the class overall was okay.

Job Shadow

When I grow up I want to be an emergency room doctor or an allergist. I went to job shadow a family doctor on monday evening. The doctor I went to shadow had no idea I was supposed to come to shadow her. So it took her a while to decide what to do. First she had me play games on the computer while she went to see a patient. Then for the next few patients I got to follow her and watch. The shadow was okay, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted to do and it didn't turn out exactly like I wanted, but it's okay. It's nice to have done another shadow.

University of Miami?

The University of Miami would be a great school to attend. Not only is it located in a state that’s always warm, but it is also known for its good academics.


By doing much research, I was able to find out that the school is just about the perfect size for me. It isn’t too big or too small. They have an almost 50:50 percentage of males to females attending. They also have a high percentage of ethnic groups other than white attending their school. All three of these things are something I look for in a school. One of the biggest things that draw me to the University of Miami is that they have my intended major and have it as a school.


If I am able to attend this university I will look forward to joining some of the many clubs and organizations it offers. I especially want to join one of the multicultural student groups it offers. The University of Miami is one of my top choices, because it has good academics and beautiful surrounding scenery.

My Influence

While one may choose a famous athlete or actor as his person to admire, I chose someone who affects my life everyday. My mom has been the biggest influence on me. Each day, my mom teaches me something I will be able to use either now or in the future.


My mom is a woman who works very hard each day. She had my sister and me at a pretty young age, and was a single parent for most of my life. Even though she was the only supporter and disciplinarian, she succeeded in raising two great daughters.


Family is very important to my mom. She has always tried to instill good family values in my sister and I. I feel that this has affected not only how much time I spend with my family now, but also how much time I will spend with my family in the future. I know that I will want to spend a great amount of time with my family in the future and instill the same family values in my children. Hopefully, they will continue the cycle.


My mom is not only a hard worker, but also a good example. Unlike most adult figures, she follows a saying of “Do as I say and as I do.” This has always been something I’ve looked up to her for. She is someone I am grateful to be able to model myself after.

One Important Issue

If someone told you gas would be over $5.00 a gallon next month what would you do? Likely you would have no reason to doubt them, because gas prices are steadily rising without any end in sight. You would also probably begin to think of what unnecessary things can be cut out of your budget to make room for more money to be spent on gas. Unfortunately, gas is not the only factor of the current economic crisis plaguing the world.


This economic problem affects everyone. As food and gas prices rise, families have trouble making ends meet. Some people have to choose between paying bills and eating. This is a really sad issue. This is an important issue to me not only because it affects me and my surroundings, but it affects the whole world. This global issue should be on the forefront of the world’s leaders’ minds. I hope to be able to see the day when the economy re-stabilizes.

My Achievements

Most teenagers cannot claim some great accomplishment such as finding a cure for a disease or saving someone from a burning building. But, to some people’s surprise, teenagers are capable of more than they’re given credit for. Helen Hayes, an actress in the early 1900’s, once said, “Achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you.” Everyone, no matter their age or circumstances, can give their best.


Personally, I feel there are quite a few things I can be proud of doing my best at. Throughout high school, for example, I have been able to maintain over a 4.0 GPA despite taking many difficult honors and AP courses. Although this was at times stressful and often required much of my free time to be spent studying, it was something that was important to me. As I prepare to fill out college applications, I’m glad I was able to achieve this goal I set freshman year.


One recent reward of keeping my GPA high was being accepted into the Summer Scholars Program. Getting into this program was also an achievement. Although there was more the entrance process of the program, grades and GPA was one big part. There were many applicants and it took much time for them to decide who the participants would be. The wait was worth it, and now I can tell others that I was able to participate in this great program.

My First Week

My first week in the summer scholars program was great. The most encouraging and motivating thing about this week was having other students just like me around. Spending the week with my peers has helped me to comfortably enter college life. The program has provided us with a study group and facilitator. My facilitator is one of the best. She has given us great ideas on ways to study and take notes. She is also reading the book as we read it, so she can answer any questions we may have. I appreciate the time and effort she puts in for us.

The week was full of activities that helped me get to know and learn more about the other scholars. The most challenging activity we did was the Commitment Trail. This rope course helped me to trust my peers and overcome some of my fears. It was difficult, but fun at the same time. Another difficult thing was staying up late and waking up early while we stayed on campus, but this was probably a good representation of true campus life. I’m grateful to have been able to participate in this program.