By the time winter rolls around here in Chicago, I know I can’t help but to think about the approaching summer’s watermelon and carne asada. If you’re anything like me, you may have even told yourself, “Stop thinking about summer and focus on midterms, already!” After all, the goal is to graduate from college one day, not to become an expert in summer barbeques.
Planning your summer right in the middle of the school year doesn’t have to be such a sinful idea, though. In fact, it might even be to your benefit!
It was during my winter break in 2009 that I started to look around for something productive and fun to do dealing with astronomy, space, and engineering, as they all greatly interest me. In my pioneering spirit, I googled “summer science/space programs in Chicago” and came up with a list of opportunities. The two that fascinated me the most was the Astro-Science Workshop at the Adler Planetarium (ASW) and Materials Camp at Missourri University of Science and Technology .
At Materials Camp, I was exposed to a variety of materials engineers, projects, the college campus, and current university students. At ASW, we learned about space, met various scientists (including NASA astronaut Dr. John Grunsfeld), and even went on a weather balloon adventure that took a payload to near space, pictured below.
After my amazing summer of 2009, I found the Minority Introduction to Engineering (MITES) application. This challenging program was a free 6-week residential program at MIT. We always had either classes or fun events scheduled. Below is the robot I built with my team!
These programs were amazing because I saw engineers and astronomers talk their heart away about what they absolutely love to do. It was then that I knew I wanted to become a part of it too.
If you’re thinking, “I don’t want to pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) career. How does this apply to me?” I challenge you to search on the Internet for programs. You may be surprised at how many great opportunities you find!
Many summer programs do not give out grades or have deadlines like school does, and because of this lack of “stress”, you would have more time to ask questions about things to the mentors or adults running the program. I know I was able to.
Most importantly, investing in summer programs could help you become even more excited about the field you want to study, and it will connect you to a network of professionals in the field who can give you advice. On the other hand, it can even help you realize that the career you liked really isn’t for you, which is worth it, too!
Lastly, summer programs are great things to list on your college applications! An educational summer program can show that you are passionate about learning, excited about your planned career, and serious about your goals. The sooner you start searching for one the better, since many programs have application deadlines long before summer begins.
To summarize, I leave you with an inequality:
carne asada and watermelon < summer programs.
Good luck, and don't forget to check out Latinos In College for more blogs and information!
Ana
