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Rising-Ninth Graders Reflect On Experience in Oxford: Session One
Oxford, MS
The first half of seventy exceptional eighth graders from around Mississippi recently completed Session I of the Lott Leadership Institute Summer Program for Rising Eighth Graders. This summer will mark the first time that two separate sessions are offered, as the number of applications to this prestigious program has continued to climb. A record 70 students have been accepted this year from the most competitive pool of applicants the Institute has seen. Each approximately three-weeks long, Session I runs from May 25-June 13 while Session II from July 5-24.
“Our goal is to bring together young leaders in Mississippi and allow them to get to know one another,” commented Jason E. Wilkins, director of pre–college programs, “in order to build necessary contacts and improve upon themselves by looking objectively at current events, politics and significant issues at the local, national and global level.”
High Expectations
From the moment they step on campus, students are asked to take responsibility for their academic and personal growth as many are given the opportunity to get away from home and be on their own in a college environment for the first time. They live in dorms with current Ole Miss students serving as residential counselors and must interact daily with the campus community.
“I think most of us were more excited to be away from our parents than anything else,” said Marcus Mallory (Heritage Academy; Columbus, MS) getting nods of affirmation from his peers, “but the tone was set from day one. We weren’t here to hang out but to work hard, to learn and grow, and the thing is, it still has been a lot of fun.”
Not only do they take rigorous courses, but must also budget their time wisely between research and recreation. Daily classes in politics and forensics fortify a rich educational experience which is often carried from the classroom to the commons.
“We hope to provide a sense of civic responsibility by motivating them to take ownership of their government,” said Sally Quong, a U.S. History teacher at South Panola who coordinates a summer course on ‘Problems in American Democracy’ for the Lott Institute.
“I feel like my eyes are just beginning to open,” reflected Arturo Valles (New Albany HS; New Albany, MS), who discovered a new passion for history and politics over the past few weeks. “By learning how things got to be the way they are, it’s easier to see what we can do to make a difference in the future.”
“Overall I was very impressed with the ability level and engagement I saw,” remarked Evan McCarley, recent Ole Miss graduate and Forensics teacher for the Lott Institute.
“It’s a unique age when they are just beginning to be exposed to more mature issues and figuring out realities about the world in which they live. One of my goals was to facilitate this process through discourse, helping them learn about the topics covered but also about themselves.”
It must have worked, because when asked about McCarley’s class the stream of compliments were endless.
“Public speaking helped us to not be so judgmental of others’ opinions and to focus instead on what that person wants to do to make a positive difference,” beamed Gracie Gibson (St. Andrew’s Episcopal School; Jackson, MS). “How are we going to fix our problems if we aren’t even willing to talk about them? The only way anything will ever get accomplished is if people are willing to work together instead of spending all their time arguing with those who think differently.”
Volunteering with the Humane Society
As part of the stewardship aspect to the program, this session volunteered at the Oxford-Lafayette County Humane Society. While walking, feeding and cleaning up after the animals Lott students discussed the importance of giving back to their communities and helping out those that often cannot help themselves.
“Seeing how other animals and other people are living where nobody wants to take care of them gave me a new appreciation for what I do have,” said Aubry Leiva (Amite County HS; Gloster, MS). “I’ve always known I wanted to help others, there are just so many different people that need our help in the world and not enough people helping them.”
Trip to the Capital
For many, the highlight of the session was a trip to Jackson, MS, for a tour of the state capital. Students had the opportunity to visit government buildings downtown, meet politicians and state leaders and explore museums or other historic landmarks.
“This was my first time going to the capital,” said Demetrius Plaxico (Lafayette HS; Oxford, MS). “We learned about the statues and monuments and the people and places they represented. Seeing all of that made me believe that I could possibly go into politics one day.”
This was the case for many participating students who were also visiting Jackson for the first time and left significantly affected, if not inspired, by the trip as a whole.
“So much in our state and our country makes sense now that I understand where it all comes from,” said Valles. “There is so much I didn’t know about our own state, never mind the rest of the world.”
Leaders of Tomorrow
As the final few days wound down, phone numbers and email addresses were exchanged and promises were made to keep in touch after leaving Ole Miss to start up a new, exciting chapter in their lives. Many will go on to hold leadership positions in their high schools but all are leaving Oxford more prepared to do so.
“I’ve met so many incredible people in the past few weeks,” said Gibson, looking out of the window at students walking past before turning her attention back to her class. “But the most important thing I’ve learned is how many different values and opinions people have and I see how it’s important to question your own values and look at exactly what it is you believe in or don’t believe in, and why. Being here has opened my eyes to that.”
“These few weeks give them an opportunity to spread their wings a little and mature,” added Quong. “They realize that junior high is over and that there are other big fish, other over–achievers like them out there. They leave more grown up and inspired.”
They will also, in turn, continue to leave a path of inspiration in their wake, as they have done already for many here at the Trent Lott Leadership Institute.
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