In this uncertain time, we are sending you warm wishes!
The COSLI newsletter is written and edited by students on the COSLI Student Advisory Board.
Enjoy student updates, perspectives, events, and opportunities.
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Letter from the Student Advisory Board President
Dear Friends of COSLI,
We are in difficult times. However, I cannot begin to describe how important it is for us as individuals, leaders, and community members to abide by public health regulations and protocols in order to return to our normal lives. Please stay safe and healthy as we get through these historic times together.
Additionally, we’re getting close to Census Day. Being a 2020 Census Youth Ambassador has provided me with a new look at my community’s needs and lifestyles.Your responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers will be used as a nationwide statistic to help shape the future of your community, and extensively the United States. Billions of federal funding and representation will be put in place to assist with health care services, Pell Grants, road construction, and much more. The 2020 Census is safe, easy, and important, and everybody counts! Together we can ensure our communities get the resources they need. Shape Your Future Here.
All the best,
Mohamed Ibrahim
Wiggins High School
COSLI Student Advisory Board President
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Letter from the Founding Executive Director
Friends of COSLI is proud to be a Project of the Rose Community Foundation
So much has changed since the letter I wrote last month. There is no doubt that for many, it is overwhelming. This is an historic event, the likes of which our country has not experienced since WWII. Seniors are having to beg for the usual traditions of Prom and Graduation. Board meetings are held virtually, while student activities are cancelled. Spring sports, heck, in-person Spring Semester for most, won’t happen in 2020. College visits are on hold. Families are struggling as companies are forced to downsize or close. But, in the midst of all of this there are some glimmers of hope. Families are rediscovering one another. Businesses are shifting their models and production to create necessary supplies and to feed those on the front line--the healthcare workers. The value of our educators is demonstrated more clearly than ever before as class shifts to laptops. Our world has been forced to acknowledge the importance of the day to day workers and their jobs--grocery clerks and postal workers for instance. We’ve slowed down and taken stock together. One of the things that has given me a light at the end of the tunnel has been the pile of recommendation letters I’ve been conquering--it reflects so meaningfully the life that will continue and the successes that will be celebrated.
If you look you’ll find those glimmers too.
Here are a few sources I’ve enjoyed:
Each Friday The Christian Science Monitor has a specific column dedicated to “good news.” Here’s the most recent one.
Dolly Parton is reading bedtime stories to children every night! Check them out here.
Colorado’s Symphony has continued to play--with joy. Listen here.
And, in an article in The LA Times, this Nobel Laureate explains how we are going to be fine.
Here’s to the astounding recovery that we are all going to be able to experience together, as well.
Celeste
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Letter from the Editors
In 1918, the Flu Pandemic was considered the most severe pandemic in recent history by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We take for granted the vaccine created for the flu everyday. As COVID-19 continues to be an obstacle, we want everyone to realize that we are making history. No, our names may not be in the history books, but how we, as influential youth, react to the current pandemic, will. We must be smart in our precautions and continue to honor those in leadership positions as they continue to carry the weight of making decisions for our state and country.
It is our job as Colorado citizens to listen to the precautions and follow them as best as possible. Take this opportunity to learn more about yourself. Journal, hang out with your family, pick up a new hobby, and remind the people you love how much they mean to you. While this virus has a low fatality rate, it is important to keep in mind that others are counting on you to flatten the curve and allow the healthcare workers to help as many people as possible. Check the CDC website for more current information and stay healthy and safe!
Drew Smith
Monte Vista
Sophia Truex
Crested Butte
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TBK Bank Scholars Program
TBK Bank will award $1,000 scholarships to ten high school seniors from across our various communities who qualify as low-to-moderate income.
The program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application are available exclusively here.
The application deadline is Wednesday, April 15th. Students must submit their applications to a TBK Bank branch location.
Please take a moment to read through the full program guidelines. All questions related to the program should be directed to Scholarship@TBKBank.com.
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Lesson Learned: Rep. Jim Wilson
Authors: Timi Kola-Abiola and Bryce Li
Rep. Wilson speaks to the 2019 COSLI Students.
Six years ago, Representative Jim Wilson from Salida was one of the two prime sponsors of the Colorado Student Leaders Institute bill in the Colorado State Legislature. Rep. Wilson has been a member of the Colorado House of Representatives since January 9th, 2013, when he was elected to represent District 60 of Colorado. District 60 encompases Chaffee County, Custer County, Fremont County, and Park County. Every COSLI class has the fantastic opportunity to meet and speak with Rep. Wilson each summer, and it is a greatly appreciated experience.
Timi Kola-Abiola and Bryce Li, two members of the COSLI student board, were recently able to interview Rep. Wilson. In this interview, they discussed Wilson’s entry into politics, his thoughts and experience in and about the Colorado legislature, and his experience with COSLI.
It is important to recognize that Rep. Wilson is not a conventional politician by any means. He is a problem solver, a unifier, and a forward thinker. During the interview, he describes his history not as a career politician, but as an educator. In fact, he spent 40 total years in education, retiring in 2007. He states that following his retirement, “I was minding my own business with no interest in doing anything political, but then I was contacted to run for office, and I decided I would do that.” However, Rep. Wilson explains, “I wanted to be a statesman, not a politician. I just wanted to get into the political agenda and help people who need it the most.” He drew a clear distinction between the two during the interview, stating that “those who make politics their lives are constantly worried about the next election, while those of us who had a life before we came are simply trying to do the right thing.”
Following this mindset of helping people, Wilson has been one of the most effective members of the Colorado Legislature. A common nickname for him is the “Miracle Worker,” one who can resurrect and pass dead bills efficiently and effectively. This is largely due to Rep. Wilson’s inclination to hear both sides of every issue. He describes his voting mindset as “conscience first, constituency second, caucus third.” This mindset goes on to dominate his view of the Colorado political system where he observes that the extremes of Colorado’s politics are not the main conductors of positive and fundamental change within Colorado. Rather, because the majority of the bills in the Colorado Legislature are not immensely controversial, that “moderates are the ones who get things done.” He continues, “it’s important to not poke anybody in the eye, because you are going to have to work with them.” Rep. Wilson is more focused on helping the people of Colorado than simply pushing an agenda. That’s why he explains, “My favorite part of being in the Colorado legislature is the honor and privilege that comes with it. Not everybody gets this opportunity to represent and become part of Colorado’s vibrant history.”
COSLI is a perfect example of the kind of progress Rep. Wilson makes. Wilson, a Republican, joined forces with Senator Nancy Todd, a Democrat, as a non-partisan force to sponsor the COSLI bill. In fact, they made special iterations to COSLI--for example, not calling it the “Colorado Governor’s School,” in order to remain apolitical. Since day one remaining apolitical has largely been what COSLI is about--a place where people of varying opinions can come together and discuss their respective thoughts in a civil, understanding, thoughtful setting-- and that’s exactly what Rep. Wilson finds is special in COSLI. He states, “It is special as a summer institute because it brings in people from all across the spectrum. That’s not the case in many places, such as some college campuses. Rather, in COSLI, the range of ideas allows for education, not indoctrination--it is an institute full of young, smart kids who can sift through information and form their own opinions.”
Sadly, Rep. Wilson’s term in the Colorado House of Representatives will end next year, 2021. When asked about any plans for after his term, he simply states, “I’ll be minding my own business.” That is well deserved after all that he has done in service to Colorado. COSLI greatly appreciates and thanks Representative Jim Wilson for his interview with Bryce & Timi, his continued support of COSLI, and his loyalty to Colorado.
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Student Features
Note that all students who successfully complete COSLI are given automatic acceptance to the University of Colorado Denver.
Huge congrats to Emma Logan (2017, Denver) as she is a 2020 Boettcher recipient! We’re so proud of you Emma!
Congratulations to Zakarias Abdulkadir (2018, Denver)! He has been selected as a Daniels Scholar, Class of 2020.
Congratulations to Franco Orellana (2019, Denver)! He has been accepted to the BA/BS 5-Year Master of Public Health program at the Colorado School of Public Health on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
Great work to Myria Garcia (2018, Lakewood)! She'll be starting at American University in Washington, DC this Fall.
Happy Birthday to our COSLI Alumni! May your day be full of smiles!
Love, your COSLI Family.
Breanne Barrett - 4/3
Hailey Dennis - 4/2
Arely Cardenas - 4/8
Polina Kolpokova - 4/8
Ally Hericks - 4/9
Luke Grabe - 4/9
John Phan - 4/10
Karla Pereyra-Pena - 4/13
Jessica Barkemeyer - 4/23
Ruvi Cervantes - 4/29
Ben Garfield - 4/30
Lindsay Anderson - 4/30
Colorado History
What else happened in April?
Did you know these historical events occurred in April?
April 19, 1878 - A construction crew named Atchinson blocks Denver and Rio Grande Railway company from building into the Royal Gorge, starting a war.
April 5, 1987 - The National Mining Museum with a Hall of Fame opens in Leadville.
April 28, 2012 - The History Colorado Center is opened for public viewing.
We are so proud of our COSLI alumni! Contact Izzy McCarty (imccarty2021@esdk12.org) or Sheila Ta (sheilata93@gmail.com) with college acceptances as they start rolling in and any other cool projects or successes!
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Alumni Feature: Austin Chavez
Austin Chavez
Hometown in Colorado: Sanford
Age: 22
COSLI Class: 2014
College currently attending: University of Colorado Denver
Major: Premed majoring in Public Health
Any scholarships/recognitions received since attending COSLI: Daniels Fund Scholar
Current plans/career aspirations: Applying to Medical School in June!
Comments on COSLI:
How did COSLI support you in pursuing a postsecondary education?
It’s funny, the night before national decision day I had no clue where to go as the doors were wide open with the full rides I had received. Celeste talked to me on the phone late into the night and walked me through each path I could take and brought me to a university that is known for housing premed students. The aid in college applications and scholarships was vital as I am the first in my family to go through this process. It helped to have someone familiar with this crazy process to simply direct me through it. I definitely received my “college 101 information” from COSLI and the help of Celeste.
What is the most memorable moment from your COSLI experience?
This was really the first time I was in the big city and alone with complete strangers. Between the strict schedule, I was able to make many friends that I still keep in contact with almost 6 years later. The relationships formed over this time were by far the most memorable.
Why is the COSLI community important to you?
SO MANY REASONS. But briefly: it allows opportunities to students who would not get them, it opens a network for students, it brings our state together, forces students to grow, prepares students for the future, and begins the credits to a college degree. It is vital to better this transition to college for our students.
What do you hope to leave behind as a COSLI alumni and how are you working to earn that legacy?
I hope I have left behind how no matter where you come from and how rocky the road was to get past your transition, you CAN do it. I know Celeste always introduces me to new classes as her “small town” boy as I only had 20 people in my class and have gained many titles at CU Denver, after doing pretty bad my first semester. By sharing my story and offering advice I hope to help students in their journey and miss “holes” I fell into.
What advice would you give to students considering attending COSLI?
JUMP at this opportunity! It’s probably one of the first times in your life that you see the world from outside the safe world you’ve been living in until now. This is something that is scary, challenging, and requiring a lot of work and courage. BUT, it launches your growth as a young professional, creates a platform for yourself, and lets you learn from other students in our state who have had an entirely different experience up to this point due to geography, socioeconomic status, and culture!
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Senate District Youth Advisory Council - SDYAC
As a Senate District Youth Advisory Council member (SDYAC), you can add your voice to the policymaking process in Colorado. Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) developed SDYAC in 2019, consisting of ten teens, one from each senate district in Colorado. As a SDYAC member, you will be working with COYAC representatives from your district to better the community and gather information ensuring the voices of youth in Colorado are heard.
This is a great opportunity to meet legislators, learn more about policymaking, and to be certain your voice is heard. There are currently five COSLI alumni who are representing their senate districts on COYAC: Drew Smith(Class of 2018), Mana Setayesh (Class of 2018), Alex Yang (Class of 2018), Nina Hufman (Class of 2018) and Emma Logan (Class of 2017).
To apply to be a SDYAC member click here.
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Opportunities and Events: April 2020
In this time of COVID, there are lots of opportunities to serve! Show your COSLI spirit of service to our Colorado community here.
Having been given a suggestion by the governor to cover our faces, many are scrambling to make a mask. Here are directions from the CDC, which you can make for you, your family and any neighbors.
Every town around Colorado has volunteer opportunities and requests for giving specific to the area. Here are some opportunities in Colorado Springs.
Reach out to places of worship, school district offices, service organizations in your area for ways in which you can be of help, while maintaining requirements for social distancing.
There are also several ways to show your appreciation for the health care and service workers who are on the front line of the pandemic. One that is catching on across the globe is to step outside at 8:00 pm and clap--or howl--just make noise to show your support and thanks to these important folks! You can also donate a bag of food, cleaning supplies, or other essentials to your local food bank. Or, simply grab some chalk and cover your sidewalk with messages of support to the other people in your neighborhood!
We WILL make it through this together. In the meantime... stay at home and stay safe!
The Denver Park Ranger program is looking to hire two High School Student Fishing Program Interns to work over summer break, to assist with the “fishing is fun” program educating youth on how to fish. The chosen candidate will work an average of approximately 4-20 hours per week, depending on department needs for approximately 300 hours including up to 10 hours with Lincoln Hills cares (transportation included). Apply Here
The Colorado Republican Committee's internship program will provide the expertise needed to become a political operative by teaching you how to develop leadership and interpersonal skills, build a political network, and master cutting-edge campaign technology. Apply here
The We the Students Essay Contest features over $20,000 in prizes, and a grand prize of $5,000. To win, students must answer the following essay prompt: “What are the essential qualities of a citizen in your community in 21st century America?” Apply Here
How do you feel about key issues like immigration, college affordability, and more? Join the debate on Think the Vote, and you can win a $25 gift card, a t-shirt, and be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship for providing the strongest argument on either side of the issue. Apply Here
The Bill of Rights Institute annual summer program brings together high school students from across the country to Washington, D.C. for a week of deep discussions on critical issues and interaction with scholars, policy-makers, and national thought leaders. Participants also make new friends, tour the monuments and museums, and connect with professionals throughout the D.C. area. Apply Here (Be sure to check that this will still be happening.)
COSLI kids are known for their writing! This is a list of twenty writing competitions for High School students with prizes ranging from cash to opportunities with programs related to the topic. Apply here
The Jane Austen Society of North America conducts an annual student Essay Contest to foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen's work. Several hundred students compete for scholarship awards each year. Apply Here
Montezuma School to Farm Interns will be participating in a "seed to market" summer program. The intern will spend time working with SCC FarmCorps around MSTFP Garden sites and spending one on one time learning varieties of vegetable crops, soil and weed management, safe harvest/food handling, and marketing. By allowing interns to grow, maintain, and sell their own market crop, the hope is to show a realistic look into the mysteries of everything it takes to make a living as a food producer. Apply Here
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COSLI Reads
Need book recommendations?Well here’s a list of what the COSLI alumni are reading- take a look, you might find one you like! Enjoy!
All the King’s Men, Robert Penn Warren
Becoming, Michelle Obama
The Geeks’ Guide to World Domination, Garth Sundem
Swan Song, Robet McCammon
Grendel, John Gardner
The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris
Night, Elie Wiesel
Beloved, Toni Morrison
The Collected Works, Flannery O'Connor
Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand
Humans of New York, Brandon Stanton
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COSLI Newsletter Contributors
Sophia Truex, Editor (Crested Butte, CO)
Drew Smith, Editor (Monte Vista, CO)
Hagan Archer (Denver, CO)
Iris Courtney (Thornton, CO)
Emma Davis (Aurora, CO)
Mohamed Ibrahim (Wiggins, CO)
Timi Kola-Abiola (Denver, CO)
Bryce Li (Broomfield, CO)
Emma Logan (Denver, CO)
Izzy McCarty (Elizabeth, CO)
Valeria Miramontes (Denver, CO)
Sheila Ta (Pueblo, CO)
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