Operation Understanding DC - Dominique Perkins

This summer, I followed the path of the Freedom Riders with a program called Operation Understanding DC (OUDC). OUDC is a group comprised of 22 African-Americans and Jews who explore their cultures and learn to promote respect while also working to eradicate racism, Anti-Semitism, and other forms of discrimination. 

Our journey began in New York and we traveled to North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It was a very educational journey. While traveling, I met a lot of historical figures from the Civil Rights Movement, including Franklin McCain, who was one of the Greensboro Four. I also met mayors and governors of different cities and one of them told us that he was brought up as a segregationist until he realized that segregation was an unfair system. It was cool to meet a lot of these individuals.

Going on this journey has taught me a lot, not only about the civil rights movement, but about life in general. I learned that while everyone wants to make a lot of money, making a change in the world is the most important thing. Every generation should improve for the better so that one day, everyone can been seen as equals and discrimination would only be seen as a myth. I also learned that if I see something wrong, I should speak up about it or work towards to fixing it. The journey was very powerful and I definitely learned a lot about myself. If I could do it all over again, I would. It was great!

American College of Surgeons sponsors a High School Mentoring Program!

Each year, the American College of Surgeons sponsors “A Day with the American College of Surgeons: High School Mentoring Program” during their annual Clinical Congress. The College is concerned about the under-representation of African-American and Hispanic physicians in the surgical professions, as only 5% and 4%, respectively, come from these populations.

A Day with the American College of Surgeons was developed to introduce talented African-American and Hispanic high school students to the joys of a career in medicine and surgery at a time when they are formulating future life plans. This program is geared specifically to students who have shown a strong aptitude in math and science and have expressed an interest in science or medical careers. The mentoring program provides these students with an opportunity to interact with surgeons and learn more about the profession.

This year, the Clinical Congress will be held in Washington, DC and 20-25 11th and 12th grade SEED students have been invited to participate in the High School Mentoring Program. If you know of any juniors or seniors who have expressed an interest in math, science, or are interested in pursuing a medical career, please either send me their names or have them contact me by next Friday, October 1st.

The 2010 High School Mentoring Program is scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, 2010, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and will take place at the Washington Convention Center in room 146-BC.

Operation Understanding DC - applications due November 10!

Operation Understanding DC (OUDC) is a year-long, experiential, leadership development program that introduces students to other students who are passionate about pursuing social justice.

OUDC is currently looking for motivated, high school juniors who are:

• Eager to create change and promote social justice;
• Proud of their heritage and identity;
• Leaders or have leadership potential; and
• Involved in their communities.

The mission of OUDC is to provide quality programming to students and to build a generation of African American and Jewish community leaders who promote respect, understanding and cooperation while working to eradicate racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. OUDC participants will engage in honest dialogues about slavery, the Holocaust, the Civil Rights Movement, current national and international issues, religion, spirituality, and much more.

Beginning in July, OUDC students will travel from New York City to the Deep South to explore their histories and create their blueprints for future activism. Each day, the students will hear from inspirational speakers, receive educational tours, and learn from life-changing experiences.

The application, recommendation forms and Sample Program Schedule can be downloaded from the OUDC website: www.oudc.org. Please note: Applications are due Wednesday, November 10, 2010.

Experiment in International Living - Spain (Tiera Douglas)

I would like to thank the Experiment in International Living (EIL) community for giving me the opportunity to travel to Spain this past summer. I really enjoyed the cities and experiencing the different cultures.

From this experiment, I can take away not only traveling to Spain and learning the Spanish language but also meeting life-long friends. That includes the people I traveled with as well as the people I interacted with who lived in Spain. As I sat on the plane waiting to take-off for Spain, I wrote a letter to myself and listed everything that I expected from the program. What I soon realized is that if you go somewhere with an open mind, you will enjoy yourself more than you could have ever imagined.

Once I arrived in Spain, I realized that I cannot be afraid to try things that I am not comfortable with because you never know what you will or will not enjoy. During the 5 weeks I spent in Spain, I studied in school for 2 weeks, lived with a host family for 2 weeks, and for 1 week, I explored several cities.

While in school, my teacher Juan Fe and Maria taught Spanish at a level that I never expected. They used games and music and even my group as teaching tools. Living with the host family made me appreciate how important family is and that family activities like going to the beach can help build stronger relationships with each other. The week that I spent exploring was amazing. Everything from canoeing to hiking or touring very famous buildings like the Gaudi Cathedral or his apartment that he used to live in.

The highlight of my trip was going to a giant tent in a park in Granada to watch the World Cup series where Spain eventually won. That night, the city began a weekend long celebration and I enjoyed every minute of it – from dancing in the streets to jumping in fountains and much more!

While I initially wanted to embark on this journey with friends, I never considered how many new people and life changing experiences I would run into. I strongly encourage next summer’s experimenters to pack a positive attitude and open mind in their suitcases because the excitement begins as soon as you meet your group in the airport. Being an Experimenter really opened my eyes to all of the endless possibilities that are headed my way.

Experiment in International Living - Japan (Jihad Ford)

This summer I was granted an extraordinary experience, an opportunity to travel to the other side of the world and stay in Japan for four weeks as a group member of the Experiment in International Living’s (EIL) 2010 Language and Anime program. Though the atmosphere of Japan is very fast paced and busy, I felt very safe and welcomed there. This trip has changed my perception of how I view the rest of the world and has truly broadened my horizon. I now strive to approach situations with an honest and open mind.

I really liked the language classes. The experience of being taught Japanese while living in Japan was mind-blowing. My teachers Reiko and Mayumi were extremely patient and effectively taught my group lots of essential basic Japanese phrases and words within the four short days we had to spend with them.

I also enjoyed the two weeks of Anime School at the Yoyogi Animation Guakin. I love art and I have an enormous passion for drawing so I naturally had a great appreciation for the Anime School. It was truly amazing working with professional Anime artists. All of my group members received one-on-one time with a professional artist at the school. One of the professors of the School was an artist of my favorite Japanese Cartoon (Anime), DragonBall Z. I really appreciated how we were given the chance to interact with the Anime school students by playing group games and team based activities.

Out of all of the many new experiences and opportunities I was given in Japan, I know without I doubt the experience that has had the greatest impact on me was the week-long of my homestay with the Morimuri family. I am glad that I comfortably and happily felt like a part of their family, which consisted of a stay at home mom, a dad who worked as a police officer, and three boys ages ten, five, and three years old.

I developed a very strong connection with the family almost instantly as the children found me fun to play with. Additionally, the mother and father found my being a boxer very interesting. As I reflect on the times that I spent staying up late at night talking with my host family, I regret that I didn’t do it more often, especially when I realized that not too many people can say they have had that opportunity. 

The homestay was very significant because it made me realize that two human beings can strongly connect and create a beautiful bond with one another while overcoming any obstacles, including language and culture barriers. My experience of living in Japan and understanding and appreciating the Japanese culture and customs has made me more conscious of the world around me and has created a curiosity in me to want to further explore the world.

My Summer - Kalonji Coleman

During the first week off from SEED, I went to a camp in Maine called Camp Manitou. We experienced a lot of new things like swimming in a lake, archery and riflery. That week, we got to do anything we wanted but we did have to switch from activity to activity. The worst part about our trip was getting there on the bus. I woke up with a cramp in my neck. It was also cold and I left my blanket in my suitcase – not a good move. The best part of the trip was when we went rock climbing. I was the first 6th grader to climb to the top! That made me feel proud of myself! We also learned how to play golf and now that I have a better understanding, I’m more interested in golf. I used to think that golf was the most boring sport. I still do but I like golf better now.

A few weeks after Camp Manitou, my brother and I celebrated our birthday at Six Flags with our friend Sean. We got to the park early and stayed until it closed and had the best time! I went back to Six Flags with my mentor and got on rides that I did not get a chance to ride on my birthday.

My brother and I also attended a Basketball Day camp at Calvin Coolidge High, the same camp that we attended last year. After the basketball camp, I went to a program called the National Society of Black Engineers' (NSBE) Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK). 

At the SEEK program, we learned how to build airplanes, make motorized toy cars and help make the Gulf of Mexico cleaner. I liked how we had the gears mesh. Mesh is when gears match. Gears are those things you see on your bike or motorcycle. They help move bikes.

I also attended the YMCA THINGAMAJIG Invention Convention. It was like a big science fair for kids at the Showplace Arena. I shared my experience at the Computer and Science Camp at Georgetown University that I attended in 2008. The best part about the YMCA THINGAMAJIG Invention Convention was that I got paid $10 an hour!

United States Senate Youth Program - application deadline is October 15!

The United States Senate Youth Program (U.S. SYP) is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service.

The 49th annual program will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 5 - 12, 2011. The Program brings the highest-level officials from each branch of government together with an outstanding group of high school students — two high school juniors or seniors — from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — for an intensive, week-long educational program held in Washington, D.C.

The program is merit-based and highly competitive and each student will receive a one-time, $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations.

Student delegates will also hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Please read the brochure for more information about the U.S. Senate Youth Program. The application deadline is Friday, October 15. Please see Mr. Cotton if you would like an application.