Introduction
Congratulations on being accepted into a summer enrichment opportunity or pre-college fly-in program! This experience will provide you with space and encouragement to grow and learn, while also posing new challenges; we hope you feel excited and confident. As a student of color, aspects of this opportunity may not be structured to best meet your needs, and so we encourage you to lean on your TeenSHARP community and resources to ensure you achieve the learning and fulfillment that you deserve. This guide is intended to support you in making the most of this experience by preparing adequately, navigating the program with intentions and authenticity, and effectively following up and reflecting afterward. No matter how you feel before or during the program, remember that you belong in this space and should feel empowered to be your fullest self at every moment!
Before the program:
- Do your research on the program and/or college. Find out what to expect and what you want to learn from your experience. Create a list of intentions and areas of growth—be specific! What does excellence look like for this experience, and what steps will you take to get there? Consider emailing the program organizers and asking for their thoughts on what students who have excelled in the program in the past have done.
- Build upon TeenSHARP’s network. Reach out to SHARPies who have gone through this experience. Do we know anyone who has attended this program or school? Schedule a meeting to hear about their experience and identify what to expect and how to prepare.
- Inform your parents and community about the program. Share your goals and expectations so that you have people to hold you accountable throughout the process. Encourage your parents to ask you these reflective questions afterward.
- If you have a LinkedIn profile, that’s a perfect place to post about your summer plans. Here is a good example from a TeenSHARPie!
During the program:
- Be a Connector. Prioritize building relationships with students, professors, and facilitators that you meet—this is a beautiful chance to create a meaningful community with young people from diverse backgrounds as well as potential mentors and advisors! Take steps to hold peers that you meet accountable for your intentions through the program and beyond. For example, if you and another student want to challenge yourself to ask one question every class, share this goal and check in after each opportunity to see if you are meeting your goal.
- Think critically. Ask questions about advice that is unclear or when a professor offers an idea that makes you curious. Don’t be afraid—be proud—to offer a different perspective!
- Remember your TeenSHARP community. Whether you’re struggling to open up to other students, or just want to share all that you’re learning, reach out to the TeenSHARP staff to connect. If you feel you are being treated unfairly or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, let us know, and we will find a way to support you! Be sure to meet up with any other SHARPies and take photos to share with us!
- Be authentic. Try to get the most out of your experience, but make sure it is YOUR experience. Feel empowered to show up with your personality and ideas rather than following others.
After the program:
- Reflect on what you learned from your experience. Set aside an hour to journal, record a voice memo, or make a vlog about your takeaways from the experience. What was new to you? What was surprising? What did you learn or do that you are excited to continue exploring? Who did you meet with whom you want to continue deepening your relationship? Use these questions as a guide.
- Be a Giver. Share your takeaways with your community! Send regular updates in the GroupMe, write a post on Facebook or LinkedIn, encourage your friends to apply and show them the ropes on how to do so!
- Follow up. Send a thank you email to the program coordinators, professors, peers, admission officers, and anyone else you met during your time. If you find yourself thinking about something you learned, ask to reconnect with the person who shared it and name their impact!