Jennifer Cernada
I believe my time at the School for Advanced Studies to be analogous to training for a marathon. Once the registration has been filled out, one finds that the hardest part is getting out of his or her sedentary lifestyle. Much like most of our previous high schools; in which the astounding students so often go unrecognized due to the preoccupation with the troublesome, less studious ones; the couch life feels comfortable and easy. For those brave enough to start, the initial experiences are usually difficult and discouraging. However, therein lies the significance. One finds his or herself possessing experience necessary to answer the question, "Am I the kind of person who will give up at the first sign of a challenge, or am I willing to rise up and meet this head-on?"
During my time here, I have been pleasantly surprised to find that I am in the latter category. Just as muscles grow when put under stress, the breadth of my knowledge has expanded exponentially due to my willingness to "run that extra mile," as it were. Apart from acquiring the time management and study skills required for success at a major university, I was given the opportunity to show myself what I'm made of. With every drop of sweat shed, I strengthened both mind and character in a controlled environment. I gave myself the gift of knowing that when race day comes, I'll have that much more advantage over those who chose not to train.
Jennifer Cernada
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
Rice University, Class of 2016