I remember writing the essay applying for the GSK program. I was anxious sitting on the edge of my chair with tons of anticipation. All my worries and questions about getting into the program were seized when me and a few other 8th graders, including Qaid and Andrea, were asked to be apart of the team.

Being apart of GSK was a fun and great learning experience. Us members of the GSK program went on a journey through the realms of science. We laughed, we learned and we thought critically. Being apart of the GSK  program has allowed many of us to think of other fields of careers, particularly focusing on science.

GSK Experience

The members of GSK did big things, including taking a trip to the GSK plant and learning about how things worked there. We suited up in protective clothing and went on a journey uncovering what was behind the pair of white doors presented before us.

At GSK we experimented and got hands on. There was no limit to the fascinating things we learned, covering medicine, manufacturing, and overall what goes into creating an invention or working to help create one.

At the end of each semester there is an honors Ceremony held. This ceremony awards all students who get grades and meet the criteria of these achievements. Parents of the students who are awarded can attend this event. The students’ names are called and they rise from their seats on the stage, to be handed their awards.

Honors Ceremony

This year I received first honors for the first semester. I worked extremely hard to complete all of my assignments and put my best effort into them. I felt very proud of myself to have accomplished this. Even though my parents were unable to attend they were very proud of me. A lot of my friends also received honors awards, which made the experience even better. At the end of the ceremony we took a picture that will commemorate this event.

The night before the trip we all packed snacks. I had Hot Cheetos, Lemon Cakes and an 8 pack of sodas. Other people brought things like candy and chips. I brought a new pair of headphones. I also made a playlist. Throughout the ride I didn’t really need them.

Baltimore Trip Bus Ride

On a beats pill the kids behind me blasted some music. On the bus I devoured all my food. On the way back I was extremely tired. Instead of being able to sleep I was listening to music from a speaker. Eventually the bus quieted down and I finally fell asleep. Then my friend Andrea screamed “Q!” So I wouldn’t  go to sleep.

Our 8th grade trip to Baltimore was extremely fun. Whether we were on the bus or exploring the city, we were always having a great time. We left very early, so we got the chance to do everything that we wanted to do. First, we went as a school to the aquarium. Baltimore is known for its aquarium, so it was interesting seeing what all the fuss was about.

After the aquarium, we decided to go out to eat. We walked around the city for a bit and took some pictures after eating. We then agreed on going on dragon boats that we had to paddle ourselves, which really tired us out. We also went to the mall which was huge. We shopped for a bit and then it was time to head back to the buses. The bus rides were fun as well, but they will be more thoroughly explained in the next page.

Baltimore

In 8th grade as everyone is applying for new high schools it’s hard to keep the same group of friends. With one person applying to Central and the other to Palumbo or Roman you tend to lose a lot of your group. Finding people that are staying at PPACS was hard. Luckily I found new people like Bella.

I also got closer with a lot of people I wasn’t close with prior. I also started hanging out with my friends way more. I go down to south Philly and explore with them. I am extremely happy I made new friends that I can hopefully have thought high school.

High School

Zoo Trip

This year, we went on a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo for science class. My friend, Saige, and I made a joke to our science teacher, Miss Leighton, saying that she should take us on a trip to the zoo because, technically, it is science related due to all of the animals. We didn’t actually expect Miss Leighton to take this into consideration. This trip involved, both, Miss Leighton's and Mr. Fitz's science classes.

The ride wasn’t very long, but it was still fun. Miss Leighton was making us all laugh doing the crazy and funny things she does on a daily basis. We got our faces painted as a joke too, but they actually came out very nice, although people still looked at us like we had six heads when we arrived back at school. We had a great time seeing all the animals and experiencing everything the zoo has to offer.

After finding out that when all my siblings learn to drive that my parents are going to get us a car. We all took an interest in driving. My parents told us that we would learn to drive before taking the test. I was extremely ecstatic as many 14 year olds are about doing things like driving. I did have a slight bit of anxiety after finding out that I would be driving my dads sports car.

Driving

When the day finally arrived my emotions were mixed. I was somewhat anxious but mostly excited. My dad taught us the basics before moving. 10 and 2, the turning signals and how to change from neutral to reverse and reverse to driving. After this was the big part. We started moving. We drove in Central High Schools parking lot. It was empty so I didn’t hurt anyone or anything. Overall it was an amazing experience

This year, I decided to try out for the school basketball team. I’ve been playing since I was little and I’ve always loved it and considered it one of my favorite sports. There’s nothing that I love more than being out on the court with a ball in my hands. I play for a competitive travel team as well and we’re currently champions for two years in a row. This year, we were even undefeated.

When I found out the school girls team was having tryouts, I figured, why not try out? I never expected it to have as much of an impact on my life as it did. I made new friends and I got closer with people I’ve known for quite some time. I ended up starting every game which was a tremendous accomplishment for me since I was new to the team. I also got to experience practices and games with a new coach. I was a bit overwhelmed with all of the practices and back to back games every night and day due to being in two competitive leagues, however, I was doing something I loved and I was willing to put in the time and dedication that it took.

Basketball

When I have free time there is a variety of things I tend to do, but photography is a particular passion of mine. When something physically speaks to me I capture through my camera.

Photography is interesting to me because you have the ability to captivate anything in that moment. You get to have a still image of something to remember.

Every once in awhile I will go outside for some fresh air and take my camera with me. While outside I’ll go on a walk and my siblings tag along too.

Because photography is something that I enjoy devoting my time into, I come combine my love for that with my love for hanging out with friends.

Photography

Your youth doesn’t last forever, so by taking pictures of the joyless moments in my childhood I will have something to remember them by.

My photography, photos and camera preserves all of the best moments. They constantly remind me of the rare beauty you can find in the world in the world.

When I hung out with Andrea, I photographed her in front of a variety of walls, backgrounds, and scenery that intrigued me and grabbed my attention.

This year I had a very good time during my spring break. I did many fun activities with family. However, what stands out the most was going horseback riding. This had only been the second time I had this experience. Throughout the whole hour and a half that it took to get there, I strangely felt nervous. Even though I had gone horseback riding before, it had been years ago. I had butterflies throughout all of my stomach,

Horseback Riding

When we had finally arrived there we put on boots and helmets for safety. Then, a woman told us how to control the horses while on the trail. I was very nervous but after horseback riding on the trail for a little while, I began to feel more comfortable and safe. Later, we trotted on the horses, which is a term used to describe when the horses start going faster almost as if

running. Overall this was a very good experience for me and my family.