Hours Away

5 Hours Later...

After four long months since I was inducted into this program, the day of departure is only hours away.  And I cannot wait.  Being a typical teenager, I waited until the last two days before we head off to the East to pack my necessities.  To be blunt, it wasn't my best decision.  I constantly had to run around my house, looking for certain items as I went up and down the list.  With every item I crossed off, I felt a large sigh of relief.  I was scared that I would go over the recommended weight limit of 40 pounds, but I managed to bring it in right on the dot.

I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to visit what the East Coast has to offer.  These past couple of days, I've been day-dreaming about what these new frontiers have to offer, whether it be in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, or Ithaca.  Being a relatively big fan of the Golden State Warriors, I'm incredibly anxious to find a spot to watch Game 6 when we roll into Atlanta tomorrow.  Nevertheless, I'm incredibly grateful to be struggling to find the game in Atlanta than be stuck in California for another summer.  East Coast, here I come.  

Ready For Our 21 Hour Day

Tomorrow morning at 3:50 A.M, I will be standing at El Cerrito High School along with my cohort, family, and Don. After a quick overview of our itinerary, parent signatures, and good byes, the month long trip will begin.

It feels like yesterday when Don visited my high school to introduce the program. Now in a couple of hours I will be on the airplane taking off to our first destination, Atlanta. All the preparation and hard work was just the beginning of our real challenges and adventures. 

Being away from home for roughly a month will be fun, exciting, and new. Having the chance to meet people from all around the world is one of many reasons why I am excited. With no parents to yell and tell you what to do for a whole month seems fun right? In my opinion, the thought of being away from home so long makes a little bit nervous. I will also miss all my friends and family during my trip. However, it is not like I will be completely alone for the entire trip. My chaperone and cohort will be with me the entire time. Also, I plan on making many friends along the way.

Now that my 42 pound suitcase is packed, carry-on bag is stuffed, and my personal knick-knacks have been accounted for, it is now time to go to sleep early and rest up as much as I can. 

Black carry-on bag, red check-in bag, and scale used to get the 42 lbs

The Countdown is Almost Over...

Today is Monday, June 15th, 2015. In less  than a day, six students including myself will be heading on the first leg of our trip that will culminate in a three week course at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. My bags are packed, mostly, and now I just have to wait for my alarm clock in the morning at 3:00 AM tomorrow. 

Skype, the cat

It's going to be odd to not always have one of my pets following me around or shedding on me for almost a month, since they are always around. My cat, Skype, likes  to sleep on me so I hope he will be able to survive on his own...just kidding he would do just fine on his own. My dog, Moxie, won't mind me leaving too much because she is the most attached to my mother but I'll miss her dog hair in my food and her constantly wanting to go outside and come back inside.

Moxie

The other thing I'm going to miss while I'm having the time of my life on the East Coast will be hanging out at the barn with the horses and the people there. I ride as many times as I can during the week usually, so it will be strange to not be riding for a month, although I'm sure it is an acceptable price to pay for this opportunity through the Ivy League Connection!

We are all meeting at El Cerrito High School at 3:50 AM tomorrow morning to get on a shuttle to go to San Francisco Airport, and I'm really excited even though I find planes to be flying metal death traps that I try to avoid at all costs. Only 12 hours left!

Just like Ordering a Burger

A few months ago, my friends took me down to a burger joint in downtown Berkeley. Being residents in the area, they knew the best diners. The waiter came by and I boldly ordered the original burger. Although the menu describes the burger as a scrumptious combination of cheese, lettuce, tomato and a pickle on the side, I was not sure what to expect. That's the feeling I'm getting right now-- uncertain, but eager.

The wait until this point has been a roller coaster of feelings. During the final week of class, my imagination roamed about the grand buildings and endless pastures of the East Coast. I spent the next week off visiting old friends and congratulating graduating seniors. As each day drew nearer, doubts filled my head. Don and our alums have given us an extensive preview of what to expect but my head filled with dubious questions. What if I can't handle the course? What if it gets too hot or cold over there? What if I miss an episode of Carmilla?

I spent my weekend packing, picking out the luggage and choosing my attire. The process was hectic. Clothes covered every inch of my room, remaining school papers spread across my desk, plastic bottles and wires covered the remainder. My family would pour more items in, recommending the blue blouse over the white or offering an extra bottle of shampoo. 

Aside from my grandma sizzling vegetables on the stove, the house is static today. The books have been read, the bags have been packed and the electronics have been charged. I'm waiting for that burger right now. The gruesome days of eyeing the calendar are over; the flight is only hours away. Although there's still a lot up in the air, I won't back down if I find out there's an uninvited onion. East Coast, here I come!

All set to go!

Hawaiian Shirts and Travel Plans

The departure dates are set, reservations have been bought, and our flight leaves in two weeks! Those are the main things I remember most from the ILC Orientation. We arrived at Pinole Valley Middle School well before 6:00 PM (because if anyone is late Don would not be happy...) and everyone, parents, students, and chaperones, sat in the gym to listen to Don go over the main details. We were introduced to previous students who had gone to several of the ILC programs as well, and it was really cool to see how much they enjoyed it and how great the program is.

Once Don had gone over the main points for everyone, we all broke off into our own cohorts to sign papers, go over individual itineraries, and ask questions. I'm sure everyone's favorite part is going to be waking up at 3:00 AM to catch our flight! I probably won't be able to sleep at all the night before from excitement, which might be a problem.

The other great thing about the ILC (there are many great things about the ILC!) is that there are supplies that we can borrow from Don, such as suitcases, fans, laptops, soap containers, and more. I'm going to be borrowing a laptop and a large suitcase for sure, and it's really nice to not have to buy them myself!

A bag large enough I could sleep in!

National Don Day Once Again!!

Preview to Our Hawaiian Themed Photoshoot

Just a year ago from this day, Hercules High School's tradition of representing the dazzling Don with Aloha shirts and shorts. We, the Hercules ILCers like to show our appreciation to the man who has provided the backbone for the Ivy League Connection with a special day. 

This special day is the orientation where all ILCers and one parent attend the mandatory event filled with detailed information about loaner items, and our summer schedule. It was a day full of information and I felt glad to be able to spend it with my fellow ILCers. 

The last group meeting before our departure started around 6 PM tonight, with a short delay. Don gave an opening to the meeting which consisted of more information about out trip. After his thirty minute talk, we were all separated into classrooms to further discuss our summer plan. Alfredo Chan-Law gave a rough draft about our first five college tour days and any possible trips we will be taking; such as Niagara Falls or Seneca Falls. The itinerary did not have explicit times of our events and our hotels, but Mr. Chan-Law was going to decide more plans to our days once the hotels and times are figured out. At the end of it all, we went back to the giant room where we were originally present and finalized any last comments, concerns, and questions. I was able to keep a mental note of what to bring with me when packing, and what not to bring. Like Don, and Mr. Chan-Law, I wanted to pack really light for the trip, and I didn't want to bring anything unnecessary or would not be used on a daily. As we wrap up the national orientation day, I am here to provide some of my favorite pictures of the evening. 

More beautiful photos. 

The Fighting Crew United!

Don't Forget To Scroll Back Up Again.

Operation Aloha is a GO!

The Hercules High School students have been looking forward to the orientation for a long time now. The first of June is the day we all marked our calendars to prepare for what lies ahead.

Since last year, the Hercules High School students has somewhat of a tradition of wearing "aloha" t-shirts in the honor of Don. Last year it was suppose to be small gesture to show Don our appreciation for the bold and bright patterns he wears, but Hercules officially decided to make it their own tradition to wear the t-shirts every orientation. We were all very excited to once again carry out the beginning of a new tradition that we hope the next generation will carry on. 

The Annual Orientation for the Ivy League Connection was held at Pinole Middle School at 6:00 PM. As soon as my sister, my guardian for the night, and I arrived to the school, we have had to check in before we could enter the cafeteria room, where everything was set up for the orientation. When I walked in I immediately saw my cohort as well as their parents. Since I've grown fond with my cohort through all the events we've participated in with each other, I saw it necessary to try my best to familiarize myself with the other cohorts. Although springing up a conversation is always somewhat awkward at first, I met other members of the program who were just as ecstatic as I.

After much debriefing from Don, we were left to group up with our cohort and go over the rough itinerary for the summer. Although everything on the paper wasn't quite "set in the stone" it gave our parents a better understanding of what our traveling plans were before we get to the Cornell Summer Program. After a few minutes into explaining the itinerary, Don comes in and asks if Mr. Chan-Law if he would allow me to talk to the Vanderbilt cohort and answer their answering if they had any. Since I went to the Vanderbilt Summer Program last summer I was quiet fond to the information and tips that the students needed. Of course being given a chance to talk about my experience from my amazing summer last year, I openly took the offer.  

When I was finally cleared by Mr. Chan-Law to go talk to the Vanderbilt Cohort, I quickly sprung out of my seat and swiftly walked toward the Vanderbilt room. When I walked in, I introduced myself and began to answer some of the cohort's questions. Soon enough Chiamaka Nwadike came into the room to do the same as well. As we sat there answering questions we began to reminisce all the great time we had being in the Ivy League Connection Program last summer. From that alone, I realized that my journey at the East Coast never really ended, it was just paused to be continued this summer. I couldn't wait to experience what the East Coast had to offer me. 

After our break-out sessions we met all together once again. Don spoke to us about certain items that would be important on the trip. He gave us tips and advice about packing as well as went over the basic guidelines of the parents' role  for this trip. During this portion of the orientation I was able to create somewhat of a mental list of what I might need for my trip to Cornell, but I realized before I could get anything I should talk to the previous year's students to get their opinions and prospects about what is necessary.

When Don finally called the orientation to be over, a herd of people began to exit the door. These people included parents who wanted to rest at home and students who needed to go home and blog. But regardless of the need of resting and blogging, the Hercules High School Students stayed after to take the "Annual Don and His Minimies" group photo. With all our nice and bright shirts on, the photos we took were photos to keep for an eternity. All the Hercules students were safe to say that Operation Aloha was a success! 

"Hanging Loose"

A Titan One Last Time

I love the ILC community. I'm always greeted by a beaming smile followed by a tight warm hug or firm handshake. Today was no exception. I arrived at the orientation with my mother beside me. We made it with just ten minutes to spare as we turned into the Pinole Middle parking lot. I beamed a smile when I spotted Stephen and Helen, excited to see them a week after our pizza date. As ecstatic as I was to greet them once again, my eyes were searching the crowd for some other members that evening. Two minutes before the meeting started, the Hercules Titans started filing in one by one. I handed Shanti my dad's aloha shirt and our small group of Titans grinned from ear to ear. We each barely got in half a sentence before Don's voice boomed through the speakers and we took our seats.

Don introduced the evening by pointing out a few 

All seated and listening.

alums and briefed the topics we would discuss that evening. I didn't even notice how fast the dates were flying by until Don noted that today, we are official ILC members. The time has come to just pack our bags and flop on the couch until we get the phone call to meet up at El Cerrito. Yet Don never fails to remind us that our ultimate goal is to share the story with every living soul we meet one we return. I think my biggest issue may be keeping my mouth shut.

Afterwards, the Chaperones came forward to share a few words with the families in the room. This wasn't the first time all the chaperones were gathered together. At the School Board Meeting the chaperones gave a speech, but I had an epiphany seeing all the chaperones standing shoulder to shoulder; there were a lot of Hercules teachers chaperoning. The excitement was bubbling in my chest when I spotted the pink flowery patterns printed on my shirt.

The Cornell Cohort Classroom

We split into our individual cohorts, each group occupying a classroom. Chan-Law handed us some forms to fill out and ran though a rough outline of our trip. Although the students in our cohort had an earful at the pizza diner, parents were booming with questions. In the midst of discussing the intricacies the buffet styled breakfast and dinners at Cornell, Chan-Law was interrupted by Don poking his head through the door. Our cohort let out a simultaneous chuckle. We all lost track of the time.

Upon returning to the room, Don didn't spare a second before diving into the loner gear. My mom continually nudged my elbow, urging me to take notes and commenting about our home inventory. I thought was the professional of the loner items after the Orientation earlier this year, but Don pulled out fans, lamps and other goods from the table to share. Finally, we got through the last item and question. The evening was over.

Well, for all except the Titans of course.

The moment the crowd stood up to observe the loner items or rush through the door, the titans packed together at the front of the room. We gathered all the bodies, grinning ear to ear at our similarly fashionable attire. Finally, we crowded around Don in our assorted collection of aloha gear, ready for the snaps. 

I've got two amazing families inside the ILC group-- the people in my cohort and from my community. Tonight is the last night we meet with all the other groups and I'm glad that I got to represent Hercules. The aloha gig started out as a form of appreciation for all the hard work Don put in to make this opportunity possible, but the attire also shows the unity of Hercules. The ability of our group to coordinate and take pride in a small tradition is what makes me honored to be a Titan.

Hercules Titans rocking the aloha look with Don.

Now, We Wait

On March 9th, I was given an opportunity that was going to change my life forever.  After a nerve-racking, excruciating, stressful two hours in a place I can only describe as a war room at El Cerrito High School, I was told I had been selected to attend Cornell University as a part of the Ivy League Connection.  That was nearly three months ago.  Now, my cohort and I are two weeks away from a trip that will change our lives, a trip that will become a part of our identities.  Today was the Ivy League Connection's last meet up day before we begin our trip on June 16th.  There are no more forms, no more admissions, no more essays, just waiting for the days to whither by.

As per tradition, all the students of Hercules High donned an aloha Hawaiian shirt as tribute to the man that is Don Gosney.  While parading around with my cohort minutes prior to the meeting, I could overhear other schools saying how they'd start their own tradition of wearing a specific type of clothing to future orientation meetings.  I didn't start the trend, but I felt proud to be a part of a high school that had so much fun with a program and made everyone feel like life long friends.

After an introduction by Don, the various chaperones, and Madeline Kronenberg, all the cohorts divided themselves and relocated into small class.  Our chaperone, Mr. Chan-Law, briefly explained our itinerary for the trip and answered any questions that he had for us.  As he explained the trip more and more, I found myself getting more and more excited for what this program had in store for us.  I found myself drifting off and thinking about what the trip had in store for the summer of 2015.

At 7 P.M., we relocated back into the multipurpose room, where Don explained the loaner items that were up for grabs.  Following that, we wrapped it all up for the evening and passed the final obstacle before we would tackle the monster that is known as the East Coast.  The Hercules students met up and took a multitude of different pictures, again revitalizing my pride in my high school.  With everything out of the way, the only thing we can do now is wait. 

The Hercules Squad + Don

The Time Has Come

Ironically, our last meeting where everyone was going to be together was orientation. However, to the ILCers, it was more than an orientation. Today's meeting was to emphasize the fact that all the hard work everyone has put into our trip to the east coast is going to show from the students, inside and outside their classes. 

My classmate Mark Bordas and I

*Ring* There goes that end of day bell again. However, this time there was no rushing home. Day two of finals had just been completed and our school was released at 12:35 PM; still 5 hours 25 minutes early for the ILC meeting. After a quick after school work out and run, I headed home ready to see my fellow ILCers once again. 

Orientation was nothing fancy and everyone was given permission to show up in whatever pleased them. Sitting at the lunch tables in Pinole Middle's auditorium, reminded me of when I was in elementary school, eating the same boring lunch my mom packed me. Not long after I arrived and took my seat, my fellow classmate Mark Bordas stepped into the room and sat right next to me. Arriving early gave me the benefit of seeing and greeting my cohort, friends, and school mates who arrived later than me. 

*6:00 PM* Right on the dot, Don began the orientation and started going down his to-dos for the evening. The first half of orientation concluded with all the different cohorts separating and breaking down their individual schedules. Mr. Chan-Law did a great time with managing the time and got through, signatures, our schedule, lodging, food, meet and greets with alumns, and much more with plenty of time to spare. 

The second half of orientation included questions from parents, Don going over what and what is not needed on our trip, and Don addressing the loaner items and the policy for people who use them. Within the short time spent today at Pinole Middle, Don efficiently informed everyone of what they needed to know and answered all questions. Ending earlier than expected, orientation was adjourned at 7:59 PM. The next time I would see my cohort, will be at 4 AM on June 16th at El Cerrito High School, ready to begin our trip. 

A lunch table filled with Don's loaner items