We asked 优蜜视频’s Summer Programs Intern Kaitlyn Chen to write a reflection on her journey with 优蜜视频. Check out her post below on how 优蜜视频 influenced important decisions about her future career opportunities!

My name is Kaitlyn, and I鈥檓 currently a sophomore pursuing a major in Psychology with a minor in Film at California State University, Long Beach. In 2017, I participated in the program, externing at . Before coming into 优蜜视频, I had a set goal of wanting to become a film editor. For 6 years, I鈥檝e been self-teaching myself how to edit. I鈥檝e volunteered at multiple film festivals and nonprofit organizations in hopes of getting my foot in the door of the industry. However, the majority of the time, I was learning and editing on my own. When I started my junior year of high school, I decided that I wanted a mentor, someone who would guide me through the steps towards becoming a filmmaker, or more specifically, a film editor. I first learned of 优蜜视频 and their through my college and career counselor (Ms. Sisson) as I was nearing the end of my junior year. There, I met Ni帽a, who would become my program coordinator and later my supervisor this summer. I also met my EXPLORE mentor, Dr. Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy, who would later become an influential person in my editing career.

How 优蜜视频 Helped me to Grow

优蜜视频 definitely challenged me socially by helping me step out of my comfort zone and opening myself up to new people, ideas, and experiences. The excursions that I visited during my year (2017) and this year (2019) in EXPLORE helped me to grow closer with the other externs and become familiar with the networking process. All it takes is a brief chat with someone, and there you go! You just formed a connection, and the next step is getting in contact with them. Through 优蜜视频, I鈥檝e learned that I shouldn鈥檛 be afraid of people, but of the missed opportunities in life. As the saying goes, 鈥淵ou miss 100% of the shots you don鈥檛 take.鈥� 优蜜视频 helped me see what it meant to be a gifted individual. It didn鈥檛 mean being born a prodigy or being the top 1% of the class (although those could be the cases). There are other individuals whose gifts might not be as obvious, yet they are the ones working their hardest to reach for their dreams.

优蜜视频 also challenged me academically by helping me apply my academic knowledge to the real world. Going into the EXPLORE program, I didn鈥檛 think I would need any prior knowledge, aside from video editing. However, I was wrong. Before I started on my editing project, Professor Amy gave me some books to read and some documentary films to watch. I understood that in order to carry out a project, I needed to know the background information behind it, or more specifically, the historical significance. That鈥檚 when I had to reach into my memory to recall some of the previous information I had learned at school. I never imagined history to be so alive and relevant in today鈥檚 world until I began applying my historical knowledge into everything I did during my externship. Moreover, 优蜜视频 taught me the technical side of the counseling field during these eight weeks I served as an intern. I learned how to format documents, file papers and keep records of the budget. I found these simple tasks to be very useful in my life, and I use them in all the things I do, whether that is formatting my assignments or recording my money spending.

Lights, Camera, Action!

The moment I stepped foot in Professor Amy鈥檚 house, I just knew my filmmaking experience would take a whole different turn. You wouldn鈥檛 believe how many cultural artifacts I saw in her house, especially her living room alone. It鈥檚 like walking into a museum of its own with paintings, musical instruments, books, and so much more. How cool would it be if all filmmakers had studios like this! My filmmaking experience was more fast-paced and contemporary. However, Professor Amy showed me another route I could take that was more slow-paced yet culturally informative. For three weeks, I worked with her in learning about various South / Southeast Asian cultures and getting a chance to edit one of her documentary films. I鈥檝e learned so much about the documentary filmmaking process 鈥撯�� not only the time it took to make a film, but also the time it took to learn all the information about the people and culture being documented. Professor Amy鈥檚 patience, guidance, and wisdom made my first hands-on experience in the EXPLORE program such a memorable one. I felt my work as an editor was even more valuable, knowing that it contributed to a global effort of connecting individuals to each other through cultural awareness. I never felt more valued as an editor when Professor Amy reached out to me after the program, asking me if I can help her edit again. It was that small favor that really ignited my passion for film. If someone believed in my ability, I should believe in it as well. I don鈥檛 think my connection with Professor Amy would鈥檝e been possible without 优蜜视频鈥檚 help because they were the ones who initiated the EXPLORE program. It is because of programs like these that allow students (like myself) to continually expand our networks and connect with individuals who are like-minded and passionately driven.

A Step Towards School Counseling

I always knew I had a soft spot for kids. I love being around them. They鈥檙e such a joy to work with because they exude so much energy and optimism. I had the chance to experience these ___ more fully this summer at 优蜜视频, engaging with students from all different backgrounds and grade levels. When I was at Academy and watching over the kids on their breaks, some of them would come up to me and excitedly ask me to play with them, whether that was tag or a board game. I felt like a kid at times, remembering when I used to run around with my friends or become super competitive in Monopoly. There were, however, times when I had to step in and calmly advise the kids not to run out onto the streets or to take turns in the game. On the other hand, when I was interacting with the high school students in the EXPLORE program, I felt, in a sense, more connected to them because I was in their shoes not too long ago. Whenever they voiced their victories, I celebrated with them. Whenever they voiced their defeats, I gave them some advice that others had given me when I was facing similar challenges. These moments of connecting and advice-giving allowed me to develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment that will transcend into my possible counseling career.

Being surrounded by kids/teenagers and interacting with them brought out my inner passion for helping others physically and psychologically. Because of my soft-spoken, compassionate, and observant nature, I believe school counseling might be a great field for me 鈥撯�� one that I can be myself and become the person I want to be. I realized that my purpose in life was to help those in need because the world so desperately needs that at the moment. I feel like my past experiences in counseling elementary and high school students at various nonprofit organizations, especially at 优蜜视频, have ultimately led me to where I鈥檓 at. It didn鈥檛 matter how many people I was helping because I鈥檓 satisfied knowing that helping one person can change his or her world. It鈥檚 strange how I entered 优蜜视频 wanting to pursue one field (film) and coming out wanting to pursue another field (psychology). It just goes to show that life and the choices you make in life are constantly changing. Therefore, you鈥檙e always learning how to adapt to these changes.

Summer 2019 is a wrap! As always, this summer was fulfilling and busy. Returning students reconnected with one another and a large group of bright new students entered the 优蜜视频 community for the first time. Read on to hear a highlight from each of our summer programs, then comment below with your favorite part of your own summer!

听Academy

Even though is an academic enrichment program, its benefits go far beyond merely gaining knowledge. Especially in the intensive summer program, students grow socially and emotionally as they have the opportunity to turn their classmate relationships into friendships at breaks and lunchtime. Each summer session, students bond over a different activity (swapping paper airplane designs or creating new versions of tag are past examples), but this summer they came together over tournaments of the game Connect 4. After hundreds of games played over the six weeks of programming, students had not only honed their logic and strategy skills, but they鈥檇 also improved their turn-taking skills and made new friends that have lasted past the end of the session.

EXPLORE

The most rewarding aspect of working with young people is seein their growth during their participation in and beyond. I particularly appreciate when alumni keep in touch and share their personal and academic wins and progress with me. This summer, I was fortunate to welcome Kaitlyn Chen as my Summer Program Intern. Kaitlyn previously participated in EXPLORE in 2017 and externed at Apsara Media for Intercultural Education with Dr. Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy. She continued her work with Professor Amy even after her externship ended and maintained her connection with me and EXPLORE whenever she needed support. She is one of those exceptional students who has experienced and seen the program come full circle for her, first as a program participant, and now as an 优蜜视频 staff member. She was a tremendous help in planning and implementing EXPLORE this summer, from supervising and engaging with students during Friday workshops to creating final e-portfolios for each student. I am truly grateful for students, like Kaitlyn, who continue to inspire and fuel my own passion for working with and empowering youth through education and experiential learning.

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LABS

This summer, students learned about astronomy in June, protein crystallography in July, and alternative fuels technology in August. Every 优蜜视频 program strives to be student-centered and responsive to feedback, so after its tenth workshop since launching in March 2018, a student focus group was created to evaluate the program. Five thoughtful students offered observations, ideas, and insights that will help the LABS team tailor the program to best offer a unique learning experience that matches the needs and interests of gifted students in 7^th-12^th grade. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming LABS workshops!

Yunasa

This was Anna’s first year attending . During the Community Circle activity, our Senior Fellow, Michael Piechowski gave descriptions for overexcitabilities in the five domains – social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual. Anna was mesmerized while listening and actively participated in Q&A. During one question on emotional overexcitability, Michael jokingly asked, “I bet all of you are even-tempered and do not experience ups and downs all the time.” Anna protested loudly and shouted “OH NOOOOO! I feel so deeply about almost everything! That is not true!” It was beautiful to see Anna resonated deeply with the overexcitability descriptions and she was in a safe space to share. After camp, Anna’s mom shared that she has noticed visible growth in Anna, who has become more aware of and is able to analyze her emotions.

To all 优蜜视频 constituents we thank you for being a part of 优蜜视频鈥檚 busiest Summer Programs season yet! To learn more about upcoming Fall Programs

This summer, I had the chance to intern at the Institute for Educational Advancement. The eight-week internship went beyond my expectations. I learned so much more than I could have asked for, whether that was figuring out how to entertain Academy students or learning how to juggle different tasks. In the past, I usually had one mentor to guide me throughout my internship. It was different when I entered 优蜜视频. I worked with multiple staff members, learning something new from them each day. I felt like everyone was a mentor to me in some way or another. However, Ni帽a was my main mentor. She not only trained me to be an intern, but also to be a role model for other students. Her kindness, patience and selflessness really spoke volumes to me during this entire process, and I look up to her for that.

My role as an intern included helping both , an academic program tailored towards gifted elementary and middle school students, and , an externship program that immersed high school students into a professional field of their choice. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I would be based at the Academy site, where I would take pictures, watch over the students during their breaks, attend to their needs, assist the other staff members and work on any additional tasks. Interacting with the younger students made me realize that a person should never be judged by his or her age. The brightness and intelligence these students exuded really shone in the classroom and in the relationships they formed with their peers.

Once I finished with Academy tasks, I would then work on EXPLORE, which included recording any budget-related expenses, updating the databases and prepping for the workshops. I also checked, processed and formatted the students鈥� assignments before compiling them into their very own E-portfolios. Overall, I鈥檓 proud of these students for all their hard work. Their E-portfolios reflected the progress they had made over their weeks with the program.

On Fridays, I would switch gears. Instead of being at Academy, I would go on various excursions with Ni帽a and EXPLORE students. Some of the places we visited included Cal Tech, USC and the Arts District. On the first week of EXPLORE, we took a 鈥淕reen Muffin鈥� tour, exploring the heart of Downtown LA. I even went through my very first escape room experience that left me feeling stumped yet exhilarated. My group was so close to escaping! In the weeks following, I sat in on the EXPLORE workshops, where I learned about public speaking, networking, resume-building and the college application process.

Knowing that my time was limited with these students, I tried to make the most out of the workshops we had by getting to know each one of them. I found that the students were not only vocal about their opinions but were also creative in their own little ways. During lunch, the students would separate into their own tight-knit groups, with one group socializing and the other group playing cards. Although both groups had two very different dynamics, they came together quite nicely. The students were very accepting of each other and tried to include everyone in the group discussions and activities. These moments of collaboration made me think of myself as an EXPLORE extern once again.

It鈥檚 strange to think that I went from being an EXPLORE extern to an 优蜜视频 intern. Instead of going through the program, I was now helping to prepare for it. I鈥檒l never forget 优蜜视频 and the impact it has had on my life. 优蜜视频 has given me the tools and confidence I鈥檒l need to succeed in life and in the future. I know that if I ever need advice, support, encouragement, or just someone to talk to, I can always rely on any of the 优蜜视频 staff members. Although my internship is over, the journey isn鈥檛 over for me just yet. I鈥檓 planning on volunteering with 优蜜视频 throughout the school year. Who knows where the organization will lead me next? I鈥檓 excited to find out!

You can view many of Kaitlyn鈥檚 photo from this Summer on 优蜜视频鈥檚 . Check out the and photo albums to see photos of her experience this Summer.

Working as an intern for the Institute for Educational Advancement has been a wonderful experience, the highlight of my summer. You might think I鈥檇 be an old hand in 优蜜视频; after all, I attended the summer camp for the past eight years before I aged out, the last two years as a member of the camp鈥檚 leadership program. Then I volunteered as a general assistant with . But there was plenty to learn at 优蜜视频, and it was great to be able to give back to the program and people that gave so much to me.

Working in an office environment was something new to me as this was my first job, and my first paycheck. I was mainly working with the Academy team, but I also helped with the and , which is part of the 优蜜视频 website. I edited entries, checked that information was correct and tried to sort through the tedious task of straightening out over 900 entries. In addition to working with GRC, I had many other tasks that involved similar skills and had similar requirements. I created templates and inputted surveys into online survey analysis programs. The challenge was to stay focused on tasks which could become tedious or monotonous but needed constant attention to detail. From this, I learned quite possibly the most important lesson of my internship.

That lesson was to develop the ability to find a purpose in everything I did. From getting a student water to the aforementioned important and detailed tasks, everything is part of a larger and important program. Getting student water could help them have a better learning experience. My seemingly tedious work on the Gifted Resource Center not only helps improve people’s experience when using it but took something off the plate of other staff, allowing them to work on other tasks.

This is not to say working at 优蜜视频 is all tedious paperwork. The most enjoyable component of my work at 优蜜视频 was the opportunity to work closely with students and teachers in the Academy classes. I learned many skills I am sure I will take not only to my next job but into my future career, while still having an enjoyable time. The kids were fun; the teachers were amazing. I accrued the nickname 鈥渢all Kate,鈥� as there was a student named Kate in one of the classes where I assisted. When I think about the kids I met, I can鈥檛 help but smile. The experiences I have had over the course of the summer in my internship taught me a lot and will stay with me for years to come.

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Anna interned with 优蜜视频 over the summer, working closely with the . Here she shares her reflections on some of the things she has learned from the experience.

Prior to joining the team at the Institute for Educational Advancement, I spent a year working full-time in an LAUSD elementary school in South-Central Los Angeles as a mentor and tutor. After working 50-hour weeks in the second-largest school district in the nation, I was eager to gain in-classroom experience from the opposite end of the spectrum. I was drawn to 优蜜视频 for its progressive philosophy; students here are grouped not by age but by their academic interests, teachers are given creative liberty to explore methods that work best to engage gifted students, and the individual student is taken seriously and respected.

On my first day working at the 优蜜视频 Academy, I was immediately intrigued by the group of students that made up an organic chemistry class. The ages of the students ranged from six years old to twelve. Not only was each student fully engaged in the class, but each student was treated equally. The six year-old was not spoken down to or treated like a small child. I couldn鈥檛 help but think of the third graders I had spent the past year with; I can鈥檛 imagine how positively their educational experiences and overall senses of self would have been impacted if they could have been lucky enough to work in a similar environment.

The teachers at 优蜜视频 come from a wide range of backgrounds – all of them passionate about the subjects they teach, and all of them passionate about teaching and making challenging content accessible. We had teachers designing scavenger hunts at The Huntington Library to enrich the Planetary Science class, teachers bringing ingredients to make crepes for the French culture class, along with teachers who worked their networks to bring equipment into the classroom from Caltech! Not only do these teachers have access to valuable learning resources, but they are valuable resources themselves as mentors. The intentionality behind each lesson was evident by the enthusiasm and engagement of the students. It鈥檚 a no-brainer that when teachers care, students learn more, grow more, and enjoy the class more. For this reason alone, 优蜜视频 provides an invaluable educational experience to its students – an experience that would be defining, even revolutionary, if it could be implemented on a large scale in public education.

The Institute for Educational Advancement has opened my eyes to a different approach to learning – and it would be unfair for me to assume that 优蜜视频鈥檚 philosophy could only be realized in a place of learning for gifted children. I do believe that gifted students need autonomy, engagement, and collaboration in their learning spaces. However, I believe that this is true for all students. 优蜜视频 serves as a special 鈥渓earning oasis鈥� for students who are not finding enough intellectual stimulation or challenge in their schools. I wish there were no need to provide this 鈥渟pecial escape鈥� to begin with. I do believe that we, as a community and state, are capable of implementing 优蜜视频鈥檚 successes in classrooms across a wide spectrum of neighborhoods and school districts.

Gifted children give us insight into what it really means to educate. We need to look no further than the minds of our brightest youth when looking for direction in teaching methods and education policy. If we just listened to what our gifted youth had to say about their educational experiences – both the highs and the lows – we would have all the answers we need. Our students know when they are learning in a way that motivates them to learn more, they know when their teachers care, and they know when their voices are being heard. The moment that we all take our children seriously and allow them to share their love for life and excitement to grow with us, we will have made a shift from developing students to developing leaders. At the Institute for Educational Advancement, students are heard. And what we are hearing is that they are learning, and that they are enjoying it.

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