When our scholarship recipients return from their summer programs across the country and around the world, they share their experiences with us through essays and photo/video presentations. Our committees then come together to select our favorite submissions, share them with you, and award prizes to the winners!
Our favorite photos for 2024
1st Prize - Aneth traveled to Thailand where she got to work with elephants.
2nd Prize: Omar was caught sneaking a peek over his book during his program at Brown University.
3rd Prize: Edeline explored the beauty and culture of Greece.
Honorable mention: Jeanine captured a lovely sunset in South Africa.
Honorable mention: Paula also took a nice photo of elephants in Thailand.
Our Favorite videos
See all of our student video submissions for 2024, including our prize winners: Marcia, Allison, and Clarisa.
Our Favorite essays
Here are excerpts from our three favorite essays in 2024:
Marcia:
There’s something terrifying about a blank page. It’s full of possibilities but also uncertainty. I thought coming to Brown University for two weeks would be like starting a new chapter, one where everything would fall into place. I’d always imagined myself thriving away from the familiar, believing that independence would come naturally. But this experience unveiled a different reality—the challenge of being truly alone, a thousand miles from my family, and it deepened my understanding of who I am as an independent person and what I truly desire for my future.
Dana:
While the academic experience was enriching, what truly impacted me were the personal connections I made and the self-confidence I developed. The most influential person I met was Daniel. He wasn’t around often, but his presence was transformative for me. Daniel embodied confidence, extroversion, and an unapologetic love for life. He appeared during a pivotal event known as the NOlympics—a series of challenges between dorm floors, where my group, Davis 3rd, was determined to win the “Most Spirit” award. We decided to dress up as frat boys, and for the first time, I fully embraced this character, letting go of my fears and reservations. Daniel was born that night, and with him, I learned how to be bold, confident, and carefree. It wasn’t about winning the award (though we did!); it was about the confidence I gained from stepping out of my comfort zone.
Alexa:
As I prepared to transition into my senior year, I reflected on my time at Andover. The phrase “never worry alone” became a mantra for how I wanted to approach the rest of high school. I realized that seeking support is not a weakness but an essential part of growth. This mindset allowed me to return home with newfound confidence and friends I could reach out to at any time. When stress and anxiety arise—be it about college applications, grades, or personal matters—I remind myself of the importance of connection. I now actively reach out to friends, teachers, and family, understanding that asking for help is a normal part of life.
Thank you for supporting life-changing experiences for our students. We hope their essays, photos, and videos help you share in their journeys.