NSHSS Member Mary Kapsak spent her summer volunteering in Nepal through Projects Abroad, teaching English

Mary Kapsak

Longmont Senior High School ‘03

Longmont, Colorado

I loved my time in Nepal.  I feel that it was a unique experience because of the flexibility that was offered through Teaching and Projects Abroad.  Not only was I a full time teacher to the students, but I was also able to become involved in the after-school program.  I also had the opportunity to travel in Nepal on my own time.  Living in Nepal was like stepping back in time.  There was only enough water to shower two or three times a week, and I had to boil all water before I could drink it.  I had to walk to school every day, an hour each way.  We had frequent power outages and I often found myself grading students' work at night by candle light.  There was also growing unrest in the Maoist movement. 

Perhaps the greatest benefit for me was the opportunity to expand my horizons.  While I was in Nepal, I met so many other people with ideas and plans to make a difference that are similar to my own.  Living in a small town in Colorado, it is hard to find other people that share my desire to travel the world and volunteer where there is a need that might make one feel uncomfortable.  I met ordinary people that were doing extraordinary things with their lives.  These people provided me with inspiration and guidance. There was a huge difference between the United States and Nepal. I have traveled throughout Europe and Japan, but nothing prepared me for the stark difference in quality of living.  The Nepali people work hard for every thing they get.  Every bowl of rice and piece of bread on the table is a testament to their hard work for the week. 

I worked in a government funded public school for underprivileged children called Bal Bikash.  The classrooms were about the size of my college dorm room, and the classes had 40 students each.  There was no electricity, and the students sat on wooden benches.  There was a single blackboard at the front of the room, but there was rarely any chalk.  Despite these less than desirable conditions, the students always came to school smiling and ready learn.  I would walk home holding their hands part of the way, and I could tell that what I was doing was making a difference in their lives.  It is a powerful feeling that makes me grateful for all that I have.  "To those whom much has been given, much will be asked."  This phrase entered my mind often, as I saw that what I regularly took for granted was a wonderful gift for others. 

Going to Nepal was an opportunity to teach others, and also a time to learn about myself.  I hope to return to Nepal someday, and I hope to travel to other countries where I can help those who are less fortunate.  Teaching and Projects Abroad provided me with a wonderful opportunity to learn that everyone, even a white, middle class, 18-year-old girl from Colorado, has the power to change the world for someone somewhere.

Carolyn Amole, Harvard University

When asked how a “normal” student might get accepted to Harvard, Carolyn writes:

I don't think that any single factor can get you into Harvard; admissions officials like students to be very well-rounded with extraordinary talents in one or several areas. On the surface, all of us here at Harvard also seem pretty "normal" to me. I'm sure there is something about you that sets you apart from everyone else. There is not one certain thing you can do that will automatically get you into Harvard. The admissions officials want to see that you are passionate about something and that you have worked really hard to embrace that passion, whether your passion is journalism, music, volunteering, or anything else.

From John Yargo, Millsaps College

The best advice I can give a high school senior is this: do not give up.  When you're leading the race or you're at the back of the pack, pure persistence will take you far.  Don't get lackadaisical due to senioritis and don't be absolutely careless when you get to college.  Also, be prepared to spend an arm and a leg on textbooks.  During the summer before my senior year, I worked at Universal Studios.  I worked about thirty hours a week and ended up depositing the majority of it.  Now I live comfortably, not having to work here at college.  I can just concentrate on adjusting to my new surroundings and college expectations, while also having some fun.  I would really suggest saving a good deal of money.  The costs of eating Taco Bell every night will surprise you.