Blog #1: Living the Life

On May 11, I was informed that I was a selected Summer Scholar who would seek the privileged as a high school senior to reside on UNO's campus for five days. On May 11th, I was not informed that I would meet life altering relationships or that I would share a suite with three other complete strangers who would be beneficial throughout my academic and occupational careers. On May 11th, I was not informed that I would develop self esteem or confidence in the form that I have. On May 11th I was not informed that I would grow- just in five days in the way that I did. On May 11th, I was not fully aware of the responsibility I would be assuming, but I am proud that I dived head first into that very place of activity. Honestly, the program was called Summer Scholars. It was not called Fear Factor or The Flavor of Love, so I expected it to be an academic experience and an academic experience only.

I come from Omaha, Nebraska, where the typical teenager lives inside of their high school. They go to work or participate in various extra- curricular activities. The typical teenager lives in the "high school world".The opportunity to live in the Scott Residential Hall distinguished me from the typical teenager. Literally, there was no "living in the high school world" for Mynesha. I kicked back and absorbed a serene, positive environment. I was encompassed by people I don't get the chance to meet often- people that were Scholars like me. One must realize that I am solely antisocial. In very little time I built firm relationships with peers and put my life in what was a total stranger's hand. I allowed myself to be encouraged by strangers to hang by a harness high in the air and walk through a rope course. I went from being meek to dauntless and from Mynesha to "Super Fly" in less than two hours. I exercised my critical thinking skills and boldly led a group in jumping onto spots while imaginatively floating over hot lava. During peer meetings I not only learned how to step up and take the lead of a group when I needed to, but I also learned how it takes courage to sit down and listen when need be! I encountered several disagreements and I am proud to say that I learned how to settle an argument without screaming to the top of my lungs or running away from a situation.

So while on May 11th, I sat attentive in my chair across from the competent '09 Summer Scholars, I had no idea that I was going to enter five days breaking through my shell or learning to trust strangers while hanging form a harness 50 feet high in the air. But because of my auspicious, sensational acquaintance I had merely been matriculated. I matured and maintained a willingness to be mindful of the differences other teenagers and I share.