“Novice Notions”, by Kami Griffith
Girls In Research Graduation
For the past three years I have participated in a program called Girls in Research sponsored by the University of Kentucky. The goal of this program was to introduce girls in Eastern Kentucky to classes and careers in science, math and technology. Several times I have written about the classes I have attended and the interesting things I have got to do. I just recently completed the program.
Last Saturday, I attended our graduation program which was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Student Center on the UK campus. My mom and dad attended with me. When we got to the ballroom everything looked so nice. There were round tables with graduations decorations, all set for lunch. There was a power point presentation playing that contained pictures of all of the girls taken during the 3 summer camps we spent at UK. We started the program at the end of 5Last Saturday, I attended our graduation program which was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Student Center on the UK campus. My mom and dad attended with me. When we got to the ballroom everything looked so nice. There were round tables with graduations decorations, all set for lunch. There was a power point presentation playing that contained pictures of all of the girls taken during the 3 summer camps we spent at UK. We started the program at the end of 5th grade and it was amazing to see how much we had all changed in three years.
We were then served a lunch buffet which consisted of steamed vegetables, fruit salad, chicken, pasta, and rolls. The pasta was really good. We sat with my friend Kelsey Minix who goes to school at Jackson. She and I have been roommates each summer and we have gone to many of the same classes during the school year. We have become really good friends. Kelsey’s mom and grandmother were with her.
After we finished eating, the ceremony started. First, Michelle Johnson, the coordinator, shared some information with us about other science programs and camps that we might be interested in. Then she introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Jaleh Rezaie, from Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Rezaie told us about coming to America from Iran and starting college here without really knowing any English. She said it would take her a couple of hours to read a page from her textbook. She worked hard and put herself through college, eventually becoming a college professor and Associate Dean. She told us we could do anything we want to.
After her speech, it was time for the members of our class to be recognized. We are called the Class of 2005 because that’s the year we started the program. All the members of our group lined up and we received our certificates. It was really nice. I was also happy to see my mentor, Sophie Menou. Sophie worked with the Girls in Research Program when we first started and has been my mentor for all three years.
I’m kind of sad that Girls In Research is over, but then again I know that the program has done a lot of good for me, my friend Kelsey, and all the girls involved. I have been able to participate in a lot of activities that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’m really thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program.
