Three students enrolled in Champions For Learning’s Take Stock in Children and College and Career Preparation programs pushed out of their comfort zones and expanded their horizons over summer vacation as they engaged in unique opportunities on statewide, national, and international levels to help them achieve their educational and career goals.
Mary M., who has just entered her senior year at Naples High School, participated in the week-long Gator Vet Camp hosted by the University of Florida’s (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine. This summer program, open to only select high school students, offers rigorous activities and challenging exercises for those who are interested in the veterinary medicine profession to identify courses important for college readiness, explore careers, and discover a slice of college life. Mary turned to our staff to help her navigate the Gator Vet Camp application process and review her essays that were required for submission. Her Champions For Learning mentor, Cynthia Zane, was the one who taught her how important it is to pursue experiential learning experiences, helped research summer camp opportunities, and provided feedback on her application essays. “My mentor has given me such good advice on how to best prepare for my future, and I can’t wait for her to see me graduate,” Mary said.
Mary’s application was accepted, and through the camp, she learned proper techniques for drawing blood from animals and how to conduct a physical examination of a dog, including measuring the pulse and heartbeat. She toured both the Large and Small Animal Hospitals at UF and interviewed current Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff to learn about their individual specialties and research. After she graduates high school, Mary plans to enroll in college, and although she is undecided about her major, she wants to participate in research projects as an undergraduate student and work or volunteer at animal hospitals to gain further experience. Her future career goal is to be a veterinarian.
Joseph S., is passionate about music, specifically playing the trombone. After he graduates from Golden Gate High School in 2027, his future goals include enrolling into a music program like The Julliard School, Eastman School of Music, or Florida A&M University and playing with a professional orchestra. Over the summer Joseph attended the Interlochen Arts Camp, a competitive program designed for young musicians to practice and perform in the beautiful, natural setting of northern Michigan, work with guest artists and conductors, and build friendships with other students from around the world. Our staff assisted Joseph with writing a letter to secure a $1,000 scholarship towards the Arts Camp tuition. Based on Joseph’s application and audition, he was placed in and played with the World Youth Wind Symphony, which is Interlochen Arts Camp’s most advanced wind ensemble and, and the Interlochen Philharmonic orchestra, which emphasizes both traditional and contemporary repertoire. Both experiences afforded Joseph the opportunity to further develop his skills.
Joseph is no stranger to Champions For Learning – his older sister, Annie, is an alumna of our programs, and he witnessed how her mentor and participation in our workshops helped her achieve success in high school. Joseph followed his sister’s example and enrolled in Take Stock in Children when he was in eighth grade to better prepare for college and other opportunities, like the Interlochen Arts Camp, that would help him reach his future goals. He meets with his mentor, Tom Leipzig, every week, who provides Joesph with guidance and advice on how to navigate high school. On top of progressing through our program and improving his music skills, Joseph is also working towards an Advanced International Certificate of Education diploma, a rigorous academic curriculum and assessment program that enables students to earn college credit.
Isabella L., a senior student at Gulf Coast High School, spent three weeks over her summer vacation exploring and experiencing in Japan through the Experiment in International Living program, which was founded in 1932 to improve understanding across cultures and expand the worldview of U.S. students. Because of Champions For Learning, Isabella gained essential interview skills that allowed her to succeed throughout the application process. She chose to commit to Take Stock in Children as an eighth grader because she knew our programming would offer her the resources and skills necessary to prepare for college. Not only have our workshops provided key resources for her to build upon, but her mentor, Marlene Steele, has truly supported Isabella’s wellbeing. “Marlena always checks up on how I am doing in school and in my extracurriculars,” Isabella said. “I can always talk to her about anything, and I am extremely grateful to have her in my life.” Isabella’s academic goals include earning a bachelor’s degree with a pre-med track in chemistry or biomedical engineering, then continuing her education by enrolling in a MD/PhD dual degree program.
While studying abroad, Isabella participated in day trips and excursions throughout Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshirma, Harajuku, and Kyoto, while living with a host family to gain a deeper understanding on how Japan functions as a nation and how citizens reflect national diplomacy and sustainability. The trip was packed with exciting learning opportunities for Isabella, including language classes, the proper etiquette associated with Japan’s vast public transportation network, visits to culturally and historically important shrines and temples, and attending school with her host sisters. She cherished her time with her host family, and although they spoke very little English, they found ways to communicate and share perspectives on a wide range of topics. “The entire experience proved extremely valuable towards my perception of the world and my future career interests,” Isabella said.
Because of you, our students are able to accomplish great things both in and out of the classroom. With your support, Champions For Learning will continue to empower more students like Mary, Joseph, and Isabella to pursue experiential learning opportunities and achieve success. To generously invest in education and make an online gift, please click the button below.