Dmmetler Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 I just got an e-mail-they've paired DD with a 17 yr old college sophomore for the mentoring program, who started participating in much the same way my DD did at 13. There are also two other fairly young accelerated kids (early/mid teens) who will be on the pre-bac track as well (both on the ichthyology side, but there's a 15 yr old pre-bac on the herpetology side), so they're planning some social activities for the pre-bacs and younger undergraduates across disciplines, especially since some of the night social events are age 21+ due to alcohol being served. I think DD will be VERY relieved to hear that she's not alone (she's still the youngest by a pretty big margin, but that closes the gap quite a bit), and I have to say the idea of a 17 yr old who has been there and done that is a big relief to me. DD really doesn't have ANY experience with other kids who are actively involved on the science side so early, and this is someone who has direct experience with being the only kid on a field site, and has also made the transition from local stuff to college work early as well. I couldn't have asked for a better connection if I'd tried. Whew!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrunchyGirl Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 So happy for her!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 What a great idea! It is wonderful to see that the organizers take the young students seriously and strive to make this a positive experience for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 I'm really wondering how many more professional groups would be welcoming to young students with an interest in the field? I don't know how typical it is, but it really seems like it might be a great resource for parents of other interested kids to look into and contact, and see what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodland Mist Academy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 I'm really wondering how many more professional groups would be welcoming to young students with an interest in the field? I don't know how typical it is, but it really seems like it might be a great resource for parents of other interested kids to look into and contact, and see what happens. It's been a mixed bag for us. I think in the end it boils down to personalities/attitudes of the leadership of the group. We were just talking last night about our different experiences with various groups. I would encourage people to keep trying if the first group is cold, unwelcoming, or just not a good fit. One group had some members that wanted to nurture young students, but the leadership was lukewarm to cold about it, so it wasn't ideal. Some groups had good intentions, but didn't have time or resources to help. It took us lots of time and effort to find what dd needed. It was worth it. So glad to hear there will be other young students at the conference! Having role models in her peer group has been such a blessing for my daughter. The age gaps seem to matter much less than in some other situations. I agree with encouraging others to seek out opportunities! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Great news!! Kudos to the organizers for being so open and accommodating to young students. Planning social activities for them as well is such a bonus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 That sounds great. And she can keep in touch with the mentor hopefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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