As a kid, I always loved storytelling. I remember asking for notebooks and pens and new books instead of new video games as a kid because for me those things we a million times more interesting than anything I could ever see or do on a screen. I grew up loving words, I learned to type by writing up my stories on Google Drive and took inspiration for my worlds from those that  I experienced through other books. However, once I hit middle school, I felt a disconnect occur between me and language. I no longer spent my free time writing up tales I had dreamed of or reading as many books as I had before. I missed it but for some reason, I just couldn’t find time to work it into my schedule. This continued for around four years, so when making plans for Summer 2019 I decided to set aside some specific time to work on my writing.

I only typed five words into Google “creative writing Yale summer program” and the first website that popped up was Summer Springboard’s. I clicked on it and immediately knew that it would be perfect for me. I would have the opportunity to live pretty independently on one of my favorite college campuses, I would get to meet new people, and most importantly of all, I would have three hours a day for ten days to just work on my writing, and not just doing it actively improving it and learning from my peers and teacher. Needless to say, I signed up and it has been one of the best things that I have done both for myself as a writer and a person.

Overview

Every morning we would walk into this classroom with a big round table in the middle and take a seat. A prompt would be up on the board to get our creative juices flowing, and after around ten minutes of writing, we would go around the table and share what he had written during that time. Sharing writing, especially when it feels personal can be incredibly difficult it can feel like sharing a piece of you. But we each did this, first to strangers, then as we got to know each other better acquaintances, then by the end of the session friends. I personally have always struggled with sharing my work, I always worry that it may not be good enough, or other people will judge me for what I had written. I don’t think my parents have even read some of my work. But the open nature of the classroom, the intimacy of the round table, the common love of words fostered an environment where I didn’t feel so uncomfortable. In fact, it was the opposite. I loved hearing the feedback of my peers and teacher so I could improve. It was an especially good feeling when I wrote something that I was incredibly proud of and shared it. And the environment that helped my self-confidence as a writer grow made me want to sign up for the creative writing at my school, which I now take. 

Program Details

However, the nurturing setting the class provided me wasn’t the only thing that helped me advance, the exercises and speakers we had each provided a different lesson about writing, different ways it could be used, different forms it could take, the different styles. We listened to poetry and wrote it, watched ads to help us see how storytelling was used not just in literature but the “real world” as well, and met authors who had published their work. I felt my horizons broadening as I learned and experienced each of these things and I felt new skills develop as I took part in the program. One of my favorite openers was called “exploding a moment”. We wrote a simple sentence, mine was “I sat at the bottom of the pool” and our job was to add adjectives and descriptions to make the reader feel like they were physically there, with our character both physically and mentally. 

Capstone Project

So my broad ordinary sentence “I sat at the bottom of the pool” turned into

“I sank, like a stone in water to the cold concrete bottom of the pool. The quiet sound of nothingness was peaceful, almost eerie but I found solace in it.  I was in my own secret little work, my own bubble. I stared up at the bright rays of sunlight streaming through the water refracting and dancing just like my physics teacher had taught. The under-surface of the water was so delicate it reminded me of my father’s crystal tiffany scotch glasses. The ones that looked like pieces of a deadly rainbow after he threw it at the wall filled with artwork my mother collected. Unlike those shards, it looked so untouched, glassy, and pure. This is what it must be like inside the glass enclosures you see in aquariums, I thought. Except, unlike the animals trapped in their own habitats I was free to break through my glass anytime I wanted, and come up for air.”

Key Takeaway

The paragraph above is still one of my favorite things that I have ever written, and I have taken this method with me, using it in the writing I am working on now. The creative writing program helped me so much, I grew in my abilities as a writer as well as my self-confidence, and I am so grateful I got the experience to attend Summer Springboard.

Maris Brail is one of Summer Springboard’s new marketing interns. She is in 10th grade at @gannacademy and is a member of the dance company, junior varsity soccer team, and theater. On the weekends, she volunteers and teachers swim lessons at her local pool. Maris attended the Creative writing program at Yale, and fell in love with both the stunning campus and the great community at SSB. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to her on Instagram @maris_brail. 

The post My Personal Experience with the Creative Writing Program appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Student Quote:

“I am interested in the medical field, so I wanted to come to Summer Springboard to gain experience and see if I am really fit to go into medical school.”

Highlights:

• Trial Law Excursion – Superior Courthouse
  • Students received a one-of-a-kind experience as a first-hand witness to a sentence hearing at the New Haven County Courthouse.
  • Significant court cases tried at the courthouse include Griswold v. Connecticut and the trial of Black Panther Bobby Seale.
  • Students also got to spend time with Judge Fisher, a judge on the New Haven District Superior Court in Connecticut. He was appointed to the bench in 2001 by Governor John Rowland.
• Engineering Excursion – Luchs Consulting
  • Luchs Consulting Engineers. founded in 1948, is a dynamic Connecticut licensed engineering and land surveying firm providing a full range of engineering services to federal, state, municipal, utility and private clients throughout New England.
  • One of their major projects was designing the State Street Bridge Project where they provided survey control, pile layout, bridge monitoring and utility system monitoring during construction.
• Medicine Excursion – Fairfield SIM Center
  • Students went to the simulation lab for practice with blood pressure, pulse assessment, and other medical skills at Fairfield University.
  • The Simulation Center at Fairfield University has received a five-year accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
  • The center uses the latest in healthcare equipment and modern classroom settings to provide a practical and engaging education for students.
• Business & Entrepreneurship Excursion – Platt LaBonia
  • Since 1945, Platt & LaBonia Company has been designing and delivering custom steel fabrication products with an uncompromising commitment to quality and service.
  • Students received a special tour of the 130,000 sq ft facility and got to hear directly from the owners about their ability to respond quickly and cost effectively to customer needs and other best sales and marketing practices.
• Creative Writing Excursion – Mark Twain House
  • The students in the creative writing program went on a behind the scenes tour of a national historic landmark, The Mark Twain House & Museum.
  • The Mark Twain House & Museum has restored the author’s Hartford, Connecticut, home, where the author and his family lived from 1874 to 1891.
  • Twain wrote his most important works during the years he lived there, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
  • Beyond the tour, the museum offers activities and educational programs that illuminate Twain’s literary legacy and provide information about his life and times.
• Creative Writing Excursion – The Storyteller’s Cottage
  • Have you ever wanted to immerse yourself in your favorite book? In The Storyteller’s Cottage filled with antiques, you’ll feel as if you’ve become a character in one of your favorite novels!
  • The vintage Victorian house is the home of charming literary events, curious & unconventional literary societies, writer’s workshops and retreats, storytelling events, author salons, unique literary-themed mystery rooms, and much more.

The post Yale – July 24 – July 25 appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Student Quote:

“Summer Springboard seemed to be the most hands program, while also making sure we have a fun experience.”

Highlights:

• Academic Tracks
  • We are honored to have acclaimed professional experts as the instructors for Summer Springboard.
  • From a Harvard-educated criminal defense lawyer who has tried cases before the Supreme Court, to the Chief Nursing Officer for the Western Connecticut Health Network, and much more, these instructors will be providing students a deep dive of specific subject areas.
• Yale Campus Tour
  • There are a little over 6,000 students at Yale with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Fun fact – the statue of the man sitting with his foot up is Theodore Woolsey, who used to use his foot to push the crew team’s boat into competition, and every time that he pushed the boat in, the crew team would win. Students now rub the foot of the statue before a big test or event that they need luck for.
• Yale Museums:
  • Students explored the galleries of the Yale Museums to get behind-the-scenes photos, curator insights, and more.
  • The Yale Center for British Art at Yale University in downtown New Haven, Connecticut, houses the largest and most comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom
• The True You
  • A major part of what makes Summer Springboard different is The True You.
  • The purpose of the True You is to increase student’s self-awareness so they can make better decisions about college admissions, academic major and career paths.

The post Yale – July 22 – July 23 appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Student Quote:

“I selected Summer Springboard this summer primarily to obtain hands-on experience in the field of medicine. I am also excited about the opportunity to enjoy this experience on one of the most prestigious college campuses in the United States.”

Highlights:

• Over 60 students from all over the country (and world!) moved into Saybrook College for two weeks of fun!
• Day 1 is all about getting to know one another. After the students have settled in, there are icebreakers, introductions, and fun activities to learn more about everyone.
• Our nurturing residential staff set the tone for the program, supporting students as they adjust to living in a dormitory and creating a fun and inclusive community. The residential staff have extensive experience working with teens and include a seasoned Campus Director and one Resident Advisor (RA) for every 10 students.

The post Yale – July 21 appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Student Quote:

“I really loved Summer Springboard and all of the RA’s, I hope I can come back next year, maybe to a different campus!”

Highlights:

• Keynote Speaker – Former Admissions Officer for Dartmouth
  • Fun Fact – On average, an admissions officer has 11 minutes to read an entire application (test scores and essays included)!
  • Takeaway – If you don’t make an impression on the admissions officer assigned to your file, they will not advocate for you…therefore you won’t be accepted. 
• Springboard Soiree
  • That’s a wrap on session 3 of Summer Springboard at Yale! We’ve had an amazing two weeks of learning, fun, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The post Yale – August 1 – August 2 appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Student Quote:

“I have enjoyed everything about Summer Springboard. I like the trust they have by letting us roam around the city and in excursions. I also really enjoy the schedules and what is programmed for us everyday and the effort the team puts into making each day the best. Last but not least, I like the classes since the teacher tries to make it interesting every day and I can feel they are very beneficial for us.”

Highlights:

• Keynote Speaker – Former Admissions Officer for Dartmouth
  • Fun Fact – On average, an admissions officer has 11 minutes to read an entire application (test scores and essays included)!
  • Takeaway – If you don’t make an impression on the admissions officer assigned to your file, they will not advocate for you…therefore you won’t be accepted. 
• Springboard Soiree
  • That’s a wrap on session 2 of Summer Springboard at Yale! We’ve had an amazing two weeks of learning, fun, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The post Yale – July 18 – July 19 appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Highlights:

• Fairfield University Campus Tour:
  • Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a Jesuit and Catholic University that is rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions.
  • Fairfield prepares students for leadership and service in a constantly changing world through broad intellectual inquiry, the pursuit of social justice, and cultivation of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
  • Students choose Fairfield because of its integrated approach to learning which results in graduates who are intellectually prepared and adaptable to face the ever changing issues of the 21st century.
  • As a result of this holistic model of education and focus on career oriented activities and internships, Fairfield University graduates have been highly successful in gaining admission to selective graduate schools, while others go on to achieving successful and satisfying careers.
• Afternoon Activities
  • Harkness Tower –
    • Harkness Tower was the first crown” tower in English Perpendicular Gothic style built in the modern era.
    • Harkness Tower is 216 feet tall, one foot for each year since Yale’s founding at the time it was built.
  • Yale Art Museum Gallery –
    • The Yale University Art Gallery, founded in 1832, is the oldest university art museum in the western hemisphere.
    • Although it embraces all cultures and periods, the gallery emphasizes early Italian painting, African sculpture, and modern art.
• Evening Activity-
  • Students participated in a field day for their evening activity, where they had a water balloon toss, a pie-eating contest, and more. 

The post Yale – July 30 – July 31 appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Student Quote:

“So far, I have enjoyed the afternoon activities, the New York trip that was amazing, the game room from 9pm to 10:30pm. The staff members are awesome and they do an excellent job, the people here are all really nice.” 

Highlights:

• Fairfield University Campus Tour:
  • Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a Jesuit and Catholic University that is rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions.
  • Fairfield prepares students for leadership and service in a constantly changing world through broad intellectual inquiry, the pursuit of social justice, and cultivation of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
  • Students choose Fairfield because of its integrated approach to learning which results in graduates who are intellectually prepared and adaptable to face the ever changing issues of the 21st century.
  • As a result of this holistic model of education and focus on career oriented activities and internships, Fairfield University graduates have been highly successful in gaining admission to selective graduate schools, while others go on to achieving successful and satisfying careers.
• Afternoon Activities
  • Harkness Tower –
    • Harkness Tower was the first crown” tower in English Perpendicular Gothic style built in the modern era.
    • Harkness Tower is 216 feet tall, one foot for each year since Yale’s founding at the time it was built.
  • Yale Art Museum Gallery –
    • The Yale University Art Gallery, founded in 1832, is the oldest university art museum in the western hemisphere.
    • Although it embraces all cultures and periods, the gallery emphasizes early Italian painting, African sculpture, and modern art.
• Business & Entrepreneurship Guest Speaker – Former McKinsey Executive
  • Peter Mombaur, CEO of Terra Education, provided a deep dive workshop into problem solving. 
  • Peter shared McKinsey’s method to approach problem solving = MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive)

The post Yale – July 16 – July 17 appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Highlights:

• Six Flags New England
  • Students had a blast at Six Flags, New England’s biggest, most popular theme park featuring dozens of thrill rides, shows, and activities.
  • The newest ride is CYBORG Hyper Drive, which enters the next dimension of thrill rides with state-of-the-art special effects, an indoor Super Hero story line, and countless spins in the dark!
• College Life Panel
  • Student’s got the opportunity to ask the RAs all about the college experience – from the good to the bad!
  • The group of RAs represent current or recent grads from Penn State, Michigan State, Pepperdine, University of Delaware, Mitchell College, Champlain College, Southern CT State U, and Roanoke College
• Business & Entrepreneurship Guest Speaker – Former McKinsey Executive
  • Peter Mombaur, CEO of Terra Education, provided a deep dive workshop into problem solving. 
  • Peter shared McKinsey’s method to approach problem solving = MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive)
• Creative Writing Guest Speaker – John Altavilla
  • John Altavilla spoke with students about the writing process and finding their literary voice.

The post Yale – July 28 & July 29 appeared first on Summer Springboard.

Student Quote:

“I absolutely loved getting to shop all around the Big Apple and be with all my friends! Also being able to go to the Top of the Rock and Grand Central Station was so much fun!”

Highlights:

• NYC Fun Day
  • On Saturday, the students took a trip to the Big Apple, where they got a chance to see some of the famous spots below:
    • Central Park
    • 5th Avenue Shops
    • Top of the Rock
    • Grand Central Terminal
• Adventures Rope Course
  • The Adam Kreiger Adventure Program provides special opportunities that enable people of all ages to realize Adam’s zest for living and to discover the courage within themselves to face the challenges in life.
  • It has about 30 low and high elements; structures that may be made up of wires, ropes, cables, tires, and wood. Both indoor and outdoor activities focus on a wide range of objectives which may include establishing group trust, cohesion, and/or communication.
• Creative Writing Guest Speaker – John Valeri
  • John Valeri is a Connecticut-based book reviewer, columnist, and author.
  • John spoke with students about writing stories that they felt connected to and would enjoy reading themselves.

The post Yale – July 26 – July 27 appeared first on Summer Springboard.