In this second year of the Genius Project, our goal is to share some of the stories in process, before the culminating events. We are honored to listen in to the conversations and frustrations and challenges our seniors are experiencing, and we are honored to listen to them problem solve and seek help and overcome. This is a part of that process. First up, Emily Kvitek. --- Two weeks ago I showed up to work on a Saturday and I left full of hope. On that Saturday, one of our amazing Sage Creek seniors put on her Genius Project. Emily Kvitek is a part of our school’s Bio Medical pathway program and has a deep passion for allowing young girls to explore their interests in STEM. So, instead of lounging and getting lost on social media or relaxing at the beach everyday, Emily organized a STEM conference for girls in grades 5-8. She sent emails and made phone calls, developed a vision and organized an experience. Twelve local sponsors ranging from Thermo Scientific to ViaSat to La Costa Chiropractic jumped in to bring her idea to life. Thermo Scientific even sponsored her financially so that every girl left with a goody bag and and a shirt documenting their time together. This was, of course, ridiculously amazing for a high school senior to pull off. Organizing an event with this many details and contacts and moving parts is something someone does as a full-time job and/or with a team of 10 people. This was, 100%, all Emily. But while the organization and idea is impressive, what left a mark on me most that day was what she said in her introduction to the event. “When I was in 5th grade, I wanted to be a doctor. But there wasn’t an opportunity for me to volunteer or try that out because I was so young. I had no outlet. So my hope for my Genius Project, for you today, is that this is your outlet. Explore and ask questions.” Emily took an experience she felt and named it. She named how it’s hard to be excited about your passions and your future when you’re in elementary and middle school. While she provided them with the outlet, she also provided them with a model to follow. Emily’s not a doctor yet, but she has made intentional decisions since 5th grade to bring that dream to life and she’s still going. For 70 young girls to see someone who’s just a bit older than them, but still within reach, living out an idea she had when she was their age is hope. It’s hope running wild, shouting the endless possibilities that exist in each of the young girls even right now when they aren’t old enough to drive, let alone start their profession. What Emily’s presence and event allowed was for each dream in that room to matter. She connected her experience with them and said “Go!” The thing is, this story of Emily taking her experience, combining it with her heart and hard work, is not singular. This is a story that can be retold and refashioned to anyone. Each one of the students in our care is capable of seeing their heart and hard work come to life. And this is what brings me hope. -- Corrie
2 Comments
4/16/2024 07:08:13 pm
Lissen, dudes-withe-luxuriant-ludes...
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4/20/2024 10:30:22 am
...doesn't matter if you vote Demo,
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AuthorHi! I'm Corrie Myers, English Department Chair at Sage Creek High School. The purpose of this blog is to share our story. We've learned a lot along the way and know that writing helps cement the learning experience for us. We never want to stop learning and growing, so this is a step in that direction. Thank you for reading! Archives
September 2017
CategoriesSage Creek High School is a comprehensive high school in Carlsbad, CA.
Click here for our school's website. |