Assignment 3 - Lizzy Wolfe

For three summers, I had the opportunity to participate in Vanderbilt Summer Academy, a residential summer camp for gifted learners.

I took a focus class each year. Although the camp as a whole has shaped me to become the person I am today, one class, in particular, had this impact. Identity in the 21^st Century. For 63 total hours, we discussed the factors that make up a self - gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and so on. The class consisted of 13 students, one professor, and a T.A.; all of which came from different geological, religious, and ideological backgrounds.

Our professor asked us to look at the problems in different ways. This enriched my educational environment because it taught me to be more open-minded and really consider others’ ideas. The class was a continuous conversation. Everyone felt safe to say exactly what they wanted. The subject matter itself was interesting, but ideas brought to the table made it the most engaging experience I’ve ever had.  It created a new respect for others, a social responsibility to stand up for those that are minorities.