Project GRAD.............

           Have you ever done something so great that you knew you couldn't let the moment to brag about it pass you by? That experience for me is the 2012 Project GRAD UTK Summer Institute. It involves UTK faculty as well as students, and Project GRAD members. We did numerous things, such as going to classes and learning at a college level. But we also got to go and do fun activities such as skating, and swimming at the universities Aquatic Center. The dates were from June 10-15, with a closing ceremony known as Graduation. UTK was so nice in allowing Fulton and Austin East High School students stay in dorms, eat in the cafeteria, and use their classrooms. It was an opportunity to not only earn a $4000 scholarship with Project GRAD, but also earn a $150 stipend at the end of the experience. It was planned, and coordinated by student mentors currently enrolled in or currently graduated from a college or university. 

             The experience is one that I personally will never forget, and I am grateful for the opportunity. Sure, it was difficult to get up at 6 each morning, and have to be escorted everywhere by a mentor, but it was a lot of fun. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would. I am hoping to come back next year as a student mentor. I will be attending UTK, and would love to get to give back to something that gave me so much. :)