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

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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THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT IN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL: 听If you want to participate in competitive programs鈥攚hether debate, mathematics, or robotics for example鈥攎ake sure the school offers these electives. If you love art and doing hands-on projects, look for a high school that has lots of opportunities and depth of course offerings in art. If you鈥檙e big into sports, look for a school with a good athletic program. If music is your thing鈥攊s there an active orchestra, band or chamber music group? Will your passion for drama and performing arts be fueled at this school? Does this school offer its students opportunities to create new clubs, to participate in regional/national competitions, to create policy within the school, to have a voice in the school鈥檚 governance?听 If you are the type of person who wants leadership opportunities and the ability to foster and enhance existing passions鈥攁s well as try new experiences鈥攎ake sure the school you鈥檙e interested in offers these student-directed options.

CONSIDER WHERE YOUR FRIENDS ARE GOING, BUT DON鈥橳 LET IT DICTATE YOUR DECISION:听 Be confident that you will meet and make friends with like-minded peers if your high school of choice fits your needs and the person you are鈥攐r want to grow into throughout your high school experience. This is YOUR decision鈥� and if you are mature enough to be proactive about your high school placement, YOUR needs should be your primary imperative.

SHOULD EVERYONE BE LIKE ME? THE DIVERSITY QUESTION: While you鈥檙e going to want to attend a high school where you will find like-minded classmates to befriend, high school should also be a time for you to expand your horizons鈥攖o meet, interact with and get to know a diverse student body.听 High school is the ideal time for you to become culturally aware and literate in order to become a successful global citizen. You should feel comfortable asking about class content. Does it include other cultures, as well as student experiences such as school-sponsored international trips, exchange programs and digital cultural exchanges (e.g. videoconferencing involving multiple schools, sharing student work with a sister school abroad or using Skype to link different international language students together for conversations)?

DISCUSS YOUR CHOICES WITH YOUR PARENTS:听 Dialoguing with parents is a key element of this process. Granted, you may have differing thoughts and opinions about a particular school, but this is a time when the more feedback you have, the better it will be when it comes to assessing all elements of this major decision. Even though YOU will be the one attending a particular school, this is still a decision that will impact other members of your family, and they should be included as factors and a reality check when it comes to funding your education as well as being your transportation to many school-related scenarios. It sure makes things a lot easier when all of you are on the same page and comfortable about your decision.

WHEN YOU GO ON A TOUR ASK QUESTIONS: 听Ideally, your tour guide will be a current student at this particular school, and you should be able to ask him/her questions and get honest, direct feedback (understanding, of course, that this will come from their perspective): What electives are there? How are the teachers? What are the clubs? Are there community service and internship options? That鈥檚 what tours are for鈥攏ot only to familiarize YOU with a school, but as an on-site information gathering tool for answers that aren鈥檛 always found on a website or viewbook.

DON鈥橳 LEAVE A TOUR WISHING YOU ASKED SOMETHING: Remember鈥攜ou will be spending the next four years at this school. Be sure you want to attend HERE and are able to verbalize why, both to yourself and your parents.

DON鈥橳 RULE OUT A SCHOOL FOR ONE THING: Try to look at a school OVERALL and not just for one area of interest of yours.听 There are virtually no 100% perfect placements鈥� but you can absolutely get close to your optimal wish list.

TRY TO IMAGINE YOURSELF GOING TO SCHOOL HERE EVERYDAY: 听How does it feel walking down the halls? What鈥檚 the cafeteria culture like? How are the classes taught? Are the students engaged? Is the teacher engaged? Can you envision yourself there for four years鈥攆ulfilled, learning, challenging yourself? If you鈥檙e comfortable and happy with many aspects of a particular school, then definitely make it an option.

P.S. HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT JUST A STEPPING STONE TO COLLEGE: It is a profound mistake and misstep to select a high school thinking that ANY school will up your chances to get into the college of your choice.听 First of all, you are not the same person you鈥檙e going to be four years from now when you apply to college, and these days in the uber-competitive college application process, there are no guarantees regardless of how exceptional a person/student/story you bring to the admissions table. Far better to put college aspirations on the back burner and aim for future success through finding the right high school match that will allow you to put your best self forward in ALL aspects of developing yourself as a student and multi-dimensional person of interest and accomplishment.

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