Summer Rachael Ji Yoon Kim

Soaring over rocky peaks, the colossal metal bird carried me in its belly, and after hours of flight, I finally reached my destination: Baltimore, Maryland. Despite the sea of people around me, I was alone on this voyage. During this sweltering summer of 2006, I resided in Johns Hopkins University to study in the Pre-College Program established there. I soon made friends with many of the high school and college students also attending the school. Absorbing knowledge like a thirsty sponge, I asked many questions and participated actively in class discussions. In the Biological Molecules class, my classmates and I conducted various experiments. Through the Business course, not only did I learn about the history of business, but also about the numerous aspects of business in the modern world.

After five exciting weeks at Johns Hopkins, my parents and younger brother arrived in Maryland. We ventured out of Maryland and into unfamiliar territory once again. We visited numerous landmarks in Washington D.C. and many colleges, including Princeton University. Once we returned from our expedition, “Band Camp” began for all students participating in our school’s marching band and color guard.

The following summer, my family and I embarked...