Just the Beginning

My ILC cohorts and I were on the Chicago Flight to San Francisco airport on Wednesday heading home. It was our last day in Providence, RI, so Jenny planned an afternoon at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. YeonSoo and I got ready in the morning at 8:00 AM; we had a few hours before meeting in the lobby of Hotel Providence at 11:00 AM. I walked four blocks from Hotel Providence to Small Point Café, where I ordered to- go Pizza strip and Sweet Sticky bun, before meeting with Jenny at 10:10 AM. Arriving in the lobby ten minutes earlier with enough time to eat my cold pizza and sweet cinnamon sticky bun felt great. Jenny and I walked to Rhode Island State House, located close by to Hotel Providence. I expected the morning weather to be warm and a bit cloudy, but instead the sun came out and it was hot. As we both walked up the white marble staircases to the double front doors, I became more curious to learn about the history and architecture. After reading a brochure, I found out The Rhode Island State House is the world’s fourth largest marble dome. Entering through the south wing doors, and we were met by a security guard who recommended us to visit the Chapel Room first. I read about John Williamson, who founded Rhode Island State with original documents proof. It was different navigating a dimly lit small square room, with original belongings of John Williamson, such as his real wallet and two compasses for navigation.  After about ten minutes of reading and sharing our thoughts, Jenny and I decided to explore more of the museum. Immediately, the Visitors Shop caught my attention because of the bright and welcoming open windows. When we walked out of the Visitors Shop, I had five postcards and a mini American flag. Then Jenny and I took some photos, before we walked back to meet with my cohorts in Hotel Providence lobby at 11:00.

 Rhode Island State House Visitors Shop Postcards

Checking out of my room will be so easy, since I just had to bring my luggage to the lobby downstairs from the second floor. I jogged up the stairs to the second floor to my room at the end of the hall, instead waiting to long for the elevator. Deciding to make two trips of bringing my one bag, carry on duffle bag and laptop backpack was less of a physical burden, which turned out to be a worse choice for me. On the second trip walking upstairs, I thought I had my room key card in my purse but I couldn’t find it at all. I had to walk back fast to the lobby, and ask the front desk for YeonSoo’s (my roommates) key card. I came down to the lobby last, and traced back my steps to remember my room key card should be in my backpack. We waited outside for a Dodge Caravan rental car and Jenny’s van, then loaded our luggage, and drove to Roger Williamson Park Zoo. Our chaperon Jenny let us explore the park in groups of two or more. The park was not too busy today and was small and easy to navigate. I learned about the amphibians, elephants.

At the Feinstein Junior Wetlands Trail

At 2:00 PM, we all met near the entrance of the zoo to leave and drive to Providence airport.  After going through check-in and pre-TSA, I had Johnny Rockets Burger and strawberry milkshake for lunch. Our flight to Chicago Midway was at 5:40 PM, and then we would transfer to B-21 for a direct flight to San Francisco Airport (SFO). On aboard to SFO, Jenny planned for us to eat Chicago Pizza, but we could not find it in the limited time frame. We ordered dinner to eat in the airplane.

Chicage Midway waiting to board Southwest to SFO

Throughout our last day together in Providence, I reflected on the new friendships I have made, the continuing lessons learnt from my Women and Leadership class, and most of all, this whole amazing opportunity the Ivy League Connection had granted us. By giving us a peek into all of the open doors we can enter, I am more comfortable and knowledgeable with applying to an out of state university, especially an Ivy League. Exploring the peaceful Roger Williamson Zoo, in the afternoon gave me time to think in the present and my future. Being at the zoo with Jenny and my cohorts felt like a close activity, but at the same time just the beginning each long successful journey ahead of us. 

When SouthWest airplane landed in San Francisco, I hurriedly grabbed my duffel bag from overhead storage then walked with Jenny and Nemow cohorts to pick up our luggage. As we were walking energetically to baggage claim, our families were awaiting with proud smiles and hugs and the wonderful Don taking photos to remember. It finally settled in that we are home with much more knowledge to share from our two and a half weeks, which had felt like a short time, yet long enough from such a diverse exposure.  

Left is me, Right is Jenny

Appreciation Day: Reflective Blog

All I can say is that a new beginning is coming toward all of us Ivy League Ladies '14 in the future. We have grown so much from this experience—journey I should say. I have seen so much improvement, academic wise, and also in our inner character. I have learned a lot about these Nemow's stories. And I have never been closer to them than what we are now. We have stayed with each other through the good and bad times—seen each other in our highs and lows. Nevertheless, this has been more than what I could've ever asked for.

After sleepless nights of trying to pour out my day on my blog every night, blogging was a way to reflect upon my day. Even though I would be exhausted from all the activities that were planned for that day like visiting schools or taking long car rides, I would learn something from everything we would do. I appreciate the fact that I was accepted into this program and had the opportunity to travel for free. If it wasn't for this program, I fear that I would've gotten a late start in picking the right college for me.

Blogging was always filled with a whole bunch of realizations and connections that I had made that day.  My mind has been taught to put into words everything I was thinking when, before, I wasn't able to. For example, I strongly believe that I can articulate what I’m thinking way more than before because I have the practice to type it onto the screen.

I have learned so much these past three weeks, everything is just jumbled in my head, and I am still trying to make sense of it all. But, I do know that I want to share my knowledge with everyone because I know how grateful I am that I had the opportunity to do so. My life has changed for the better and I hope that by me transferring my knowledge to other people, it will inspire other people to take action. I have the motivation and dedication to make my community a better place now because I see that we have to start somewhere. I expect a lot out of me. Before this program, I didn't have a reason why I should do anything.  For once in my life I believe in my ability and potential and I love this feeling.

I can no longer go back to that place or be that person I once was where I had a mindset of laying low. I have to believe in my ability because if I don't, then who will? I was not aware of all the opportunities that were always around me and I feel so foolish for not taking advantage of everything that was out there for me.  I just can't go back. I won't go back. I am a different person—a better, more confident version of myself.

I have always had a mentality of fending for myself and counting on my own strength to get me through every obstacle. I learned that most of the time, you can't do everything by yourself.  I thought that people like me had a low chance of graduating college without debt after more debt. Schools like Brown. have a tremendous amount of financial aid and require you to pay very little. All I really need to do is ask, find and apply to as much help as I can. I really have nothing to lose.

The classes I took at Brown for a Women and Leadership course have to be the best decision I have ever made.  I absolutely loved waking up every morning just to go to class and I believe that is how school is supposed to be. I have a craving to learn and I have never learned so much in just two weeks. I thought it was impossible but, it happened.  I saw the world around me for what it really was. All the good and all the bad things which only made me more eager to learn more and more.  I wish everyone would have the same opportunity that I had because it is life changing. This world is so confusing and unique and will never cease to surprise us, why wouldn't anyone want to know what is out there?

I wish high school could be like that but students just don't care about their education.  It is always something that gets in the way like for me, the lack of resources and inspiration.  I didn't see anyone who did great things in my community so I didn't know why I had to do something either. I am so dumb for thinking that I had nothing to offer the world and that wasn't the case at all. If that was true, I wouldn't have been selected to participate in this program.

I have reached my potential in this experience and all I want to do now is reach higher and higher. I cannot find a way to tell everyone who helped me in any was how grateful I am for this reality check. Mr. Peritz, Don, my counselor, and Don again because he showed so much interest in my education. We need a lot more people like them because they are the true heroes behind every person's success.

Thank you all.

Going Back Home

Wednesday day began waking up in providence for the last time. I will really am going to miss providence and Brown I will forever had the memories of summer at Brown 2014. NEMOW met Jenny in the lobby at 11 in the morning and then went to go get some food and lunch for are plane ride back home. After we return back to Hotel Providence we loaded up the van and taxi with are luggage right before I came downstairs one of the hose keepers came to my room in a hurry before I left to thank our group for the notes and tips we left for her and I thanked her for being messy and she said it was important to her to make us feel at home that why she would make a walk way. Once we finished loading the luggage.  Jenny decided to take us to the zoo. The Providence Zoo was the best zoo I have been to in my life. My favorite animal was the giraffes, I love seeing their beautiful colors and prints. Fun fact the reason why a giraffe’s tong is black is because they eaten so much that if there tongs were any lighter there tongs would get sun burn. I also had the opportunity to see the elephants being feed and I captured one really good picture of one of the elephants sticking out its tong. I really enjoyed our last activity in providence.

After the zoo we went straight to the airport. I was TSA pre that meant that I didn’t have to take my shoes off and it made going through security essay. Once we were seated next to the gate I had some time before e we bordered. Thao, Yeonsoo, and I decided to go souvenir shopping I bought a stuffed lobster for my mother that said Rhode Island of the left claw. I named the lobster Larry the mobster. Are first flight was from Providence to Chicago, I sat next to a man who worked in marketing in marketing who I asked questions about business because I was interested in majoring in business however he was not interested in talking to me. I slept most of the flight which was a good thing because usually I get motion sickness on airplanes. Once we arrive in the Chicago airport Jenny took us to go get some food I ordered a beacon cheese burger with coconut water. The burgers took longer than expected we were worried we would not make our fight on time however it all worked out, we made is just in time for are plain ride to San Francisco

Don't recognize this feeling

These long three weeks have been filled with excitement, sadness,  and a lot of growing up in my experience. I was so excited since February when I was first accepted into this program and then also when I went on my first plane ride. I was so excited for the future and what it had planned for me. I was looking foward to everything that I was going to learn and all the new friendships I was going to build. But, Iwas also sad because of everyone I had to leave back home. It was impossible for me to take my parents or whole community with me. I was now a representative of my community and anyone else who believed in me.This showed me how to be independent and responsible.  I learned how to be an adult.

Overall, this has been an amazing journey that I will never forget because it has shaped me o be the person that I am today- -the person I will be tomorrow- -and the great leader if the future.

Waking up for the last time next to Cynthia and Izabel (my hotel roomies) was also sad. I will think of Izabel every time I see a mess on the floor because she wasn't the most organized person in the world. Every time I see a floral shirt I will think of Cynthia because she loved them. It makes ms sadder to think that I will not be attending school with these two because I will be transferring to another school this year. I will miss them but, I chose this school because it will be an important chapter in my life.

Each one of these ladies have taught me something that I will never forget whether it was advice, a new way of thinking, or just how to handle business at times.


Going to the Roger Williams Zoo today was a very good way to end this trip because I a absolutely love animals. I love walking around and spending time with my friends. Personally, my favorite animal is the majestic dolphin.  I was looking foward to seeing one in real life for the first time but, didn't get te chance to. I think that dolphins are very intelligent and super playful. They are very interactive and have the capacity or potential to learn a lot.

The fact that I was ever in Rhode Island is very faint right now. I have never travelled out of the state ans suddenly,  out of nowhere, I end up a the way on the other side of the country.  I think that I am addicted to travelling now and I have the Ivy League Connection Program to thank. There is so much to see, do and experience that there couldn't possibly be enough time.

Coming home to my parents is what is giving me te strength to power through these weeks. They give me like a goal or something special--a reason to come back.  It's nice to know you have people that care about you. I am finally coming home and I've been longing for my family's affection and love.

See You Later Rhode Island

The countdown until the day I go home is over now. To be honest, I was enjoying my time in the East Coast so much that going home was hardly ever on my mind. It’s so strange how staying there for two weeks and five days was enough to make Rhode Island feel like home. Packing my bags was easy because I never had the time to fully unpack my suitcases. I went to the weight scale in the hotel bathroom to weigh myself with the suitcase and without it to see if my check-in bag weighed less than 50 pounds. But I knew the scale must have been broken because my weight is definitely not 84 pounds. So, I went into Maria and Thao’s hotel room and weighed my check-in bags there. They were both less than 50 pounds so I was all good to go. 

I walked to the mall to return a shirt that I bought for my friend because I realized that it was too small. I decided to eat breakfast there too since I had to be in the lobby by 11 AM. Jenny and NEMOW (the 9 ILCers for the Women and Leadership Program at Brown University) walked to Gourmet Heaven to get lunch to eat either at the zoo or the airport. I decided to eat my salad in the car ride to the zoo because I have no patience when it comes to food. During this trip, I made healthier habits like drinking lots of water and valuing vegetables over greasy foods. Good job YeonSoo.

After we all got our food to go, we walked back to Hotel Providence and the workers at the hotel helped us back our luggage into the van and taxi. It was a sort of a hectic process because there are ten girls and each of us has at least two suitcases. After getting our entire luggage into the two cars, we were off to the Roger Williams Zoo, which was only about 15 minutes from the hotel. With the help of the handy dandy iphone, my chaperone Jenny found her way to the zoo pretty fast. She talked to us about how helpful it is that we have a GPS on our phones to navigate us. Jenny also mentioned how much Don wanted her to memorize directions ahead of time. Yes, that sounds like Don. 

When we got to the zoo, the heat took most of the energy away from us. Although I couldn’t say hi to every animal at the zoo, I got to meet some of my close friends like donkey and alpaca. When we got to the elephants, all the girls spent thirty minutes looking at elephants eat with their trunk. I waited outside for them to come out, while I ate more of my salad. After a while, I started to feel sorry for all of the animals at the zoo because they didn’t look happy. The only animal that looked happy were the goats ONLY because we were feeding them at the petting zoo. Other than the goats, the animals looked as tired as I was and didn’t move around as much as they do in documentary films. I now understand why there are so many people against the Oakland and San Francisco Zoo. Forcing animals to stay inside a gate is cruel and restricts them from being who they truly are. Lions should be able to kill other big animals and anteaters should be able to eat ants.

Good bye East Coast

San Francisco from the plane

We got to our airport two hours before our flight because Jenny doesn’t like to be on time. Just like Don, she believes that being early is better than being on time. While Jenny went to go drop off the van at the store near our hotel, the rest of us weighed our check-in bags. Luckily, my bags weighed 44 pounds and 30 pounds. I deserve a high five for that. On the plane ride, I made sure that I slept for a long time because I have school tomorrow. When the plane was landing, I could automatically tell that we were in the Bay Area. Going on this trip has really made me appreciate things more at home like the bathroom and wind. 

On our way to grab our luggage, I found my friend holding flowers up to welcome me back in the Bay Area. It was nice seeing families reunite with their loved ones with posters, hugs, and flowers. I would like to thank the Ivy League Connection again for definately giving me an opportunity of a lifetime. One year ago, I would have never thought of leaving California for college. Thank you for opening my eyes to new doors. 

I'm Coming Home, Tell the World that I'm Coming Home

Our last day at Providence…What a journey. I can’t believe that I, we, spent two weeks and five days in the East Coast. I’m excited to go home, yet I feel semi-emotional. I didn’t want to leave my second home, Brown University. This morning, I was able to go to Thayer for one last time with Maria. We woke up around 8 o’clock and began our walk at 8:30 AM. It was a bit tiring, but we made it to the bookstore. Beforehand, we ate at Au Bon Pain, which served toasted coconut iced/hot lattes. They were so good, and I was able to enjoy a plain croissant with it. Maria had a bagel. We spent 10 minutes eating, and off we went. We spent the majority of our time at the bookstore for some last minute Brown souvenirs. I love Brown, and I will miss it. I won’t tell you how much we spent at the bookstore….Anyways. We both went back to Hotel Providence around 10:25, and arrived around 10:45. Since we took a different route than usual, we both found it WAY easier than our old route. Coming back to the hotel was hectic. Both Maria and I were about to be done with our packing. After putting a lot of items in my check-in bag, I was anxious about the weight. At 11 o’clock, the cohort descended to the lobby. Since today was our last day, we all decided to go to the zoo; but we had to get some food.

We went to Gourmet Heaven, and it was cool. They served a variety of dishes and snacks, and now I understand why it’s called “ Gourmet Heaven.” After getting food, it was off to the zoo.

All ten of us took two vans to Roger Williams Zoo. I was in a different van than the majority, with Magaly and Muang. Our driver, Michael was a nice man who had a wonderful conversation with all of us. It was fun being in the Dodge van, and in a few minutes we all made it to the zoo.

The zoo was probably the best zoo I have ever been through, keep in mind that I have only visited the Oakland Zoo. There were a lot of animals like, anteaters, bald eagles, red crown cranes, harper seals, red pandas, moon bears, and many more. I believe that Magaly, Yeonsoo, Muang, Maria, Cynthia, Izabel, and I spent a majority of our time looking at the elephants. They came into a little tunnel where families were able to see them up close. It was interesting at first, but afterwards, they just ate food. So we all left after 20 minutes of watching it, and went outside. We then began to look at different animals at the zoo. It was interesting, and I’m glad we went. I wished that we were able to see the butterflies, however, the zoo were charging people to see them. That was not fun, but it didn’t matter because I was tired. I was now with Magaly and Izabel, and we all sat on a bench. The funniest things happen at the zoo; for instance, a dad and his daughter were walking near a photo booth and the daughter wanted to see it. The father replied with, “It’s closed,” and she acknowledged it and they both moved on. It was a hilarious moment. I can’t wait to go to the zoo again.

After the zoo, NEMOW went to the airport to go to Chicago. It was a touchy moment, and I’m hoping that I don’t cry later on during the school year, or near the end of Summer. I’m missing everybody..and it’s just sad. Maria made a good point, saying that once she gets home, there will be nothing to do. This experience was the highlight of her summer, and it’s the same with me. I’m hoping to visit Brown again, or at least get accepted, but I don’t know if it’s possible. I do have more confidence after yesterday’s dinner, but I can’t deny the fact that it is a 50/50 chance. I wish the ILC would send us tickets back East for a reunion. It’s just a dream, but can it become a reality? I highly doubt it, but it would be nice. The flight to Chicago barely had any turbulence, which was great. A pretty smooth ride, and I was reading for the majority of the time. We landed, and boarded our next flight twenty minutes later. This flight to SF is emotional, and shaky. There were times when Magaly, on my right, and Yeonsoo, on my left, would grab on to me, and I don’t blame them. It was a pretty scary ride, and I hope it gets better. Haha, that’s semi-true because once the plane stopped showing the “seatbelt sign,” everything was all good. Now, with the sign on, the ride is pretty bumpy.

I can’t wait to meet my parents. I’ve been dying to eat some Vietnamese food in the past few weeks, and I miss my bed. I also miss my friends, but after today, everything is going to get busier and busier. I’m glad that I was chosen for this adventure, and I wish I know the reason why. I’m grateful for everything, and I hope we had more time back East. I really enjoyed my stay, and I’m glad the weather was 10 degrees cooler, in accordance to Michael. The zoo was fun, but I was not able to hollah at every single animal, but I think a majority of them knew I was there. Going back home, means action plans being put into action. I know I’m jumping from topic to topic, but I’M REALLY HAPPY. Thanks so much for this opportunity, and I hope I was a cool person. 

The Crew Is Back!

Goodbye Providence, Hello Bay Area!

It's really sad to think about it, that it's our last time at Providence. I've felt really comfortable about this small city and I've also encountered many of the nicest people on the East Coast. Aside from this wonderful city comes the University that changed the way I look at colleges with its clean and beautiful campus. I really felt the presence of my second home while I was there for the 2 week summer program and have also developed special friendships with most of the people around me. It's unfortunate to say that all of this has ended within a 2 and a half week span. Now today is the last day of it all and it is better to make the most out of it. 

It was another early wake up call for me and Thao. We woke up at around 8 not to meet with the group down at the lobby, but to spend our morning on Thayer street for the last time. Even though Jenny gave us the option of sleeping in and meeting down at the lobby at 11 AM, Thao and I decided to make the most of our short time at Providence by heading up to Thayer instead of sleeping in (bad idea or no?) We left the hotel at 8:30 AM and made our way up the hill towards Brown University. I have to admit, I got tired about halfway through walking the hill, but as a dedicated athlete, I trudged my way through those horrid hills of Providence just to buy my last minute presents. Once we finally made our way past the hill we made our way to a cafe and ordered an iced coconut latte and bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. Next we headed across the street to the Brown bookstore and spent about 45 minutes shopping for last minute gifts for people back home. I bought my little sister a Brown crew neck sweater while I bought my dad a mug and my mother a coffee mug. I know it may not be the best presents, but it's the thought that counts right? 

Poor Elephant

After endless circles around the Brown bookstore we made our way back to the hotel, but first we stopped by the main green of the Brown campus to say our last goodbyes, then went back downtown. This was probably the funnest part of the day; the zoo! Yes, at 11 we assembled back to the lobby, bought lunch at Gourmet Heaven Restaurant and made our way to Roger Williams Park Zoo, which was just a few minute drive from our hotel. It was a really fun zoo, of course the majority visiting it were parents with their small children but it was just so nice to go to the zoo again and just check out the animals. I felt my inner kid come out of me again, of course without all the crying and complaining. I was glad that I was able to spend this last day at Providence with my cohort at the zoo, it was something that seemed fresh and original since not many people expected it. After 2 hours at the zoo, we drove to TF Green Aiport for departure. Our flight was set to leave at 5:30 but we got there at the airport around 3 just to be early. We relaxed for an our and half and was ready to board. The flight to Chicago went by pretty smooth and was approximately 2 hours long. I took a quick nap (like always) then played some card games with Thao. Of course we played our classic game of speed and this helped make the flight go faster. Once we arrived at Chicago, we ordered our dinner for our flight. Almost everyone ordered a cheeseburger and since we were running a little late for boarding, we just took our burgers to go and enjoyed it during the flight. I finally got the window seat after 7 flights in under a month (the struggle was real). Next to me was Cynthia and Izabel and for most of the flight we just talked and laughed. During this flight it hit me that we're really on our way back home and I won't be seeing most of these girls for a while. 

I personally wrote the letter

Dumbo ears

I was pretty excited to finally be arriving home. Upon arrival of the gate, Cynthia's family appeared with a big sign with her name on it. It was really nice and it surprised everyone. It made me wonder where my mom was, I even thought that she was lost. On our way to get our baggage, I saw my mother and sister from a distance and ran towards them and gave them a big hug. Oh how I missed my mother's hug and my sister's annoying comments. It's been a really long while and I was just so glad to see them again. The day would finally end after receiving my luggages. We all said our goodbyes to each other and made our way to our designated departing place. It's been an awesome 2 and a half weeks with these girls. Hopefully we'll form a reunion soon, they just can't enough of me (haha). 

Seen my mother and sister, I just had to run

Dissed my sister for my mom

My sister forgave me for dissing her, so we decided to take a picture with mom