Cosmos, Japan, and Lennon Jonathan Marcelo Ibaldit

Academic Preparation

Last summer, I attended the COSMOS program at UC Santa Cruz to learn about Stars, Sight, and Science. Pulling up into the driveway of College Nine, my heart began to beat rapidly and I quickly realized that it was time for me to live independently away from my family. Though I was nervous and scared, I knew that there was no better place to express my interests in math and science than at COSMOS. I had the opportunity to learn about astronomy by hands-on observation using the Nickel Telescope at Lick Observatory, to study the mechanics of sight through the dissection of a cow’s eye, and most importantly, to apply the methods of science through our final project on variable stars. Although I do not wish to pursue a career in astronomy, this summer at COSMOS increased my eagerness to attend a university to study Mechanical Engineering. Not only did COSMOS teach me about specific types of stars, it provided a foundation of study skills for college through independent research and the application of the scientific method with the completion of the final project. Because I had this great experience at UCSC, I was able to build on the creative, intellectual skills that are essential for success in a major...