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NEXT SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE ACADEMIC PAPER AWARDS: 05.01.06 |
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Member Highlights |  |
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NSHSS member Alexis Carter visits Body Worlds Exhibit with Mr. Nobel
Visiting Temple University and The "BodyWorlds" Exhibit with Mr. Nobel by Alexis Carter Howard High School Ellicott City, Maryland "Beep, beep"--that was the sound of my alarm clock waking me up at 4:30 a.m. I felt very nervous as I rose up from my bed. Although I had chosen my clothes for the day, I questioned whether they were right. I worried about being late (although I knew my dad's military motto of if you can't be on time be early was assurance that I would not be late... otherwise why get up at 4:30 a.m.) Today was day I was going to be in the company of world-renowned Claes Nobel. During the two hour and thirty minute trip to Philadelphia from Ellicott City, Maryland, with my family, I tried to imagine what lay ahead of me. Butterflies twisted, flipped, and jumped in my stomach as my mother escorted me to the Body Worlds exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia later that morning. I had imagined meeting a group of high school student, but to my surprise, Mr. Nobel himself met me. At first, I was bashful, but Mr. Nobel made me feel comfortable. He reminded me of my grandfather. The excitement never wore off, but my nerves did settle enough to enjoy the museum. It amazed me how the creators of Body Worlds were able to capture human life in many realistic adaptations to demonstrate body functions. The body is truly a remarkable machine. There were live representations of how the muscles, bones, and the nervous system work together to produce movement and function. I later successfully grossed out my family when I detailed the use of cadavers, not plastic models or pictures or anything of the like, but real human bodies in the exhibit. The model of the heavy cigarette smoker pushed me further away from the temptation of ever putting cigarettes in my mouth. I highly recommend the fascinating Body Worlds exhibit to everyone. I would love to go back, especially since I'm contemplating a future in medicine. Later that evening, the Temple University Honors Program held an event at Temple University for NSHSS members that also included recognition of High School Educators and a keynote speech by Claes Nobel. After spending the morning with Mr. Nobel, I felt very special. Many at the program spoke of the importance of academic commitment and how my generation could change the world for the better, but Mr. Nobel spoke from his heart about the pressing need for personal commitment to preserve the earth resources, as they will be exhausted one day. Like most young people my age, I often change my mind about what I was to do with my life, but whatever it is, I hope to make a strong impact on others like Mr. Claes Nobel has made on me. Alexis Ranata Carter Sophomore (Class of 2008) Howard High School Ellicott City, Maryland |
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