HSLP 2009: Day 1, July 11

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 1— Saturday, July 11
Reported by: Allie Soroka, Virginia Beach
 
     Driving up to campus, butterflies fluttered throughout my stomach, driving me crazy. I looked at Bice Hall through the windows of my parents’ car with excitement and, honestly, a little anxiety. We all finally arrived. Thirty-two highschoolers were chosen throughout the state of Virginia to attend this program. My parents reassured me that I would have a valuable and fun time. I grabbed all of my belongings that I had brought, thinking it was much to excess, and strode into the dorm.
      Immediately I knew my parents were correct. I was greeted by my warm teachers who exuded vibes of compassion and acceptance.  After being handed my dorm key, I hauled my belongings up to my dorm to meet my other roommates.
      Upon my arrival into my makeshift home for two weeks I was welcomed by many friendly girls and their families. I felt at home right away when my roommate and I talked and realized that we had a lot in common. We were very diverse from each other, but we both held knowledge, learning, and the need for an open mind in high regard. Everyone at the Sorensen Institute is like this. They acknowledge that as individuals we are all different, but all very important.
      After settling into my dorm, my roommates and I headed downstairs. We said our goodbyes to our families and promised to keep in contact. The first thing on our agenda was a tour of the campus lead by our three amazing counselors. Joe, Ashley, and Andrew were enthusiastic and made us so excited from the start for all the experiences we would gain throughout our stay. We were then surprised to learn that we were all going to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the campus. My group was lead by Joe. We had such a fun time sprinting throughout the UVa campus. We darted through the lawn, searching for Thomas Jefferson to mark something off of our list.  I immediately bonded with everyone in my group. It was obvious that we were all leaders and that we all had something to give. I could look at each person and tell their mind was filled with intellect, creative ideas, and compassionate solutions.
      Later that day, we gathered together to discuss the different labels that parties in politics are given. We tried to decipher what each party truly believed in and represented. After a long and fun discussion, we had our first speaker after he shared dinner with us. Virginia's Secretary of Natural Resources Preston Bryant discussed with us the problems Virginia faces today with such a massive growth in population. He deals with the environment and works to preserve nature despite Virginia’s urban growth.  His dedication, commitment, and use of creative ideas were evident and taught us all a very important lesson. After a long day, we were surprised again by being given an ice cream social. We continued and still are continuing to learn about each other. Our bonds are becoming closer and I am absolutely positive that the best is yet to come.

—Alexandra Soroka, Virginia Beach