When Madelaine first
approached us about applying for an Ivy League Connection scholarship, I have
to admit, we were skeptical. The course, Women & Leadership at the Brown
Leadership Institute, sounded like a natural for her, but we were dubious that
this could be a full scholarship, and there was no way we could afford even
part of an Ivy League summer program, much less transportation and all the
other costs that immediately came to mind. As usual, Maddie had done her
research, and presented us with details of the program. We were quickly
convinced that this was an impressive opportunity for her.
Soon Maddie was diving into
yet more research to write her thoughtful essays. She found out what was
appropriate dress for an interview, and practiced answering sample questions
slowly and clearly, despite her nerves. It was clear from the start how
motivated she was to take advantage of this chance to study and travel on the
East Coast this summer. When she was informed that she had earned a spot in the
Women & Leadership cohort, she was elated, and so were we.
In the months that followed,
Maddie had the opportunity to meet Brown alumni who were gracious and generous with
their time and experience. During an elegant dinner at Boulevard, she met two
recent graduates who had studied neuroscience, an area in which she is
particularly interested. She also had the opportunity to hone her skills at
polite dinner conversation and professional demeanor; valuable practice for a
normally casual, “laid back” young woman.
The 3 weeks Maddie spent at
Brown and touring other universities in the area were some of the most eye-opening
weeks of her young life. We spoke or FaceTimed almost daily, and each day I
could see her imagination expanding to consider new and different ideas and
options for her future. She was exposed to a wide array of people and places.
Her roommate was a young woman from Japan who lives in Indonesia. Her
classmates were from Manhattan, Southern California, Guatemala—all over the
world. Their diverse life experiences and perspectives gave Maddie a glimpse
beyond the rather small town of El Cerrito. Her professor and the guests she
invited to speak to and work with the cohort were exceptionally knowledgeable
and kind.
Upon returning home, Maddie's
commitment to implementing her Action Plan, the El Cerrito High School Young
Voters' Club, has only grown stronger. She has been looking up resources
and recruiting likely members and co-leaders even as she fine-tunes her newly
expanded college applications list. This experience has given her a broader
view of what is possible for her future—not just for college, but in her life.
She has higher hopes and higher expectations as a result of her involvement in
The Ivy League Connection and we are deeply indebted to Mr. Ramsey, Ms.
Kronenberg, Mr. Gosney, and the patient and enthusiastic chaperones who all
made this wonderful experience possible.
Anne-Marie and Tim Pine
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