TeenLife 2024 Guide to Summer Programs

By OLIVIA LE
UC San Diego Research Scholars
Why did you choose to participate in
this program?
In the last few years, I had become really interested
in marine science but did not have much experience
in pursuing that field. I hoped that by taking
this summer program, I would be able to venture
into research in an immersive and engaging way.
I was excited to be amongst other students that
were also passionate about this subject and see
what it would be like to collaborate for a research
poster as well as receive a glimpse of college life
at UCSD.
How did you decide which program was
right for you?
Marine biology is a subject that particularly interests
me because it applies the concepts I learned
in high school, such as thermal ecology, to ecosystems
that are rarely discussed in the classroom.
It also touched on themes of climate change and
restoration which is a focus I really wanted to incorporate
into my studies. I knew that UCSD was well
known for its marine science programs especially
with Scripps Institution of Oceanography being so
close by. I also was very excited about the opportunity
for students to form their own research projects
which was unique to this program specifically.
What was a typical day in your program?
We woke up around 7:00 each day and after sometimes
grabbing a quick breakfast, we headed to
the bus that would take us to Scripps Institution
of Oceanography. Even though it only took about
10 minutes to get there, it was always really fun to
blast music and sing with the entire class. Once
we arrived, we walked along the beach and always
had a little bit of time to enjoy the outdoors before
going into the lab. We usually received a lesson or set
of instructions for the morning session with extra time
to work in our groups for our research project. We then
took the bus back to campus for lunch at the cafeteria
which had a wide range of good options. Afterwards, we
took the bus back to Scripps and this was usually the
time when we would run experiments for our project
or continue our write-ups. Upon returning to campus,
we would take a quick break and finish up homework at
the Geisel Library, make a fun Target run, grab fro-yo, or
play volleyball at the sand court. There were a variety of
activities to do within walking distance, but we had a lot
of time to hang out with friends and grab dinner before
making our way back to the dorms. Every night, we had
a floor meeting which included a short discussion relating
to college and usually a fun or reflective activity. We
then prepared for bed.
What advice do you have for teens looking
at programs?
If students are seeking a program that focuses on an
immersive experience and applying their knowledge to
a project or presentation, then I would highly encourage
them to review the course descriptions and testimonies
or examples from years past to ensure that the
objective is aligned with their own. I would also advise
students to really consider what a residential program
would entail because if it is an experience that they
really want to have in high school, it can be the perfect
opportunity to get a glimpse of what it means to navigate
life away from home while also allowing them to
form new friendships and have fun. I would also advise
students to really take advantage of the programs they
are in by putting in the effort and time that the course
requires as well as being active in pursuing relationships
with instructors and getting a truly full experience.
2024 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO SUMMER PROGRAMS | 19