By the time they graduate, many Xavier girls will have been contacted by numerous organizations asking if they would like to take part in an experience that is an “once in a lifetime opportunity.” Either the email or letter will talk about how going to the specified program will change your life as well as boost your appeal to colleges. However, are these programs really a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” or is this just used as an attention grabber used to reel innocent high schoolers in?

Upon receiving this letter and/or email, you should always check to make sure the organization is legitimate. This can be determined by either accessing the website of the organization or by browsing reviews by previous high school attendees. After it is evident the organization is legitimate, then you can contemplate participation. Generally a student is selected through a teacher’s nomination, an impressive GPA, PSAT scores or selected fields of interest pertaining to possible majors for college.

Speaking from personal experience, I have attended two of these programs: the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists and the Honors Performance Series. I think that the hardest part was working up the courage to get out of my comfort zone. I had no friends going to either of these programs, so going alone was intimidating. However, both programs were amazing, unforgettable and most definitely “once in a lifetime opportunities.”

The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists was an educational program in Boston, Massachusetts occurring in June. From Nobel Peace Prize Winners to Google Science Fair Winners, the lineup of speakers from a wide range of backgrounds and ages were incredible. The program wanted to emphasize, even as a teenager, that one can achieve greatness and help the world. The first day of the program I met a girl who had traveled alone and was just as confused as I was. She was from North Carolina and was interested in neurology. Eager for influential experiences from the program and finding a hidden bond between us, we decided decided to stick together. Meeting new found friends was just one of the many highlights of the program that I will treasure forever.

On the other hand, the Honors Performance Series, a music program, was my favorite of the two. They have two different programs: one that ventures to Carnegie Hall and one that explores the Sydney Opera House. I auditioned to be in the program going to New York City in February, and, thankfully, I was selected to be a participant. The series hosted a wide range of music but focused mainly on choirs and instrumentalists that perform separately. I auditioned to be in the all women’s choir and was accepted as an alto. The idea that I was to perform in a place where the most remarkable of the industry have performed on the very same stage was mind boggling. I still cannot even believe I actually did it. People from all over the world were a part of the choir. One girl came all the way from New Zealand, a twenty one hour trip to fly to New York. I even met a girl from New Jersey who also goes to a Catholic all girls school. Additionally, I had the privilege of working with the most amazing conductor, Dr. Tim Seelig. He made practicing with the different choirs so much fun. It could have easily been a really difficult and painful process, due to the fact that practice was from 9:00am – 5:00pm. I learned so much from him, not only about music and vocal performance, but about life in general. He truly inspired me and I am so thankful I was able to work with him.

By stepping out of my comfort zone, I was able to grow and learn in ways that only these two programs could have given me. I was honestly scared about going to Boston because I had never been. But now it is one of my favorite trips. And for Honors Performance Series, I almost did not apply because I was so sure that I would not be accepted. But, I realized I would regret not trying at all, because there was a tiny chance I would manage to get in.
In conclusion, I encourage any Xavier girl to go outside of her comfort zone and take these opportunities given to you. They will help you grow as a person and you will create memories that will last a lifetime.