COSLI October Newsletter
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,
These past few weeks I have been diving into some classic literature and poetry for both personal gain and assignment references in a few classes. With fall just around the corner and the temperature slowly dropping as the leaves turn yellow, it seemed only appropriate to find poetry related to the upcoming season. Some of the classic pieces include “Ode to Autumn” by the English poet John Keats and “Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night” by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Both poems delve deep into finding the worth of life while also analyzing the inevitable process of death and ending of days. They are rather dark in theme, but I picked up a far more valuable message that I felt was necessary to share.
In the last few stanzas of “Ode to Autumn,” Keats implicitly touches on the idea that life should not be dwelled on as the end of days comes, but rather should be vibrantly celebrated. He uses the autumn season to convey this message by demonstrating that as life blooms, the colors evolve, and the atmosphere is in a meditative state; autumn straddles the line between life and death, or summer and winter. I never viewed autumn through this perspective, but it is a beautiful way to imagine it, although the message is dark at subtle levels. It made me take some time to sit back and reflect and enjoy the moment I was living in. Too often we find ourselves consumed in the busyness of our schedules and stressed by our classes and events. I encourage you all to read the entire poem by Keats, and hopefully you see these next few months through a different lens.
Thank you and all the best,
Mohamed Ibrahim
COSLI Class of 2019
Wiggins High School
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Letter from the Founding Executive Director
Friends of COSLI is proud to be a Project of the Rose Community Foundation
Like Mohamed, I have been thinking a lot about some classic literature as well--Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlett Letter. Both are set in the Eastern United States, they were both assigned reading during my high school days, and each conjures up a feeling of fall, given that the only place I know that could possibly match the golden aspen trees in Colorado right now are those changing Eastern beauties--the maples, birch, oak and beech.
These books also share the effects of a disconcerting human habit that COSLI works hard to eradicate. A few days ago, a journalist asked me if I thought my students or my educational colleagues knew my political leanings. Although it caught me a bit off guard, my answer was quick. If they do, I have failed at my job. Educators are facilitators for information. Our job is to present all credible sides of an idea and to help students understand meanings of words or other student-led nuances with the ultimate goal of teaching how to think, not what to think. It’s the cultivation of critical thinking.
Each summer, what is taught during the session is driven by our student’s essays--they are asked two questions when they apply. What is the biggest problem in the state of Colorado and how would you solve it? Then, what is the biggest problem in the world and how would you solve it? Based on those answers, academics, experts, professionals, and practitioners are invited to present to the students. They provide multiple sides of whatever the students have written they believe to be our state’s biggest problems. It’s hard work--for the students and for the staff.
For the staff, our understandings and beliefs have to be put to the side. For students, many of their ideas and preconceptions are challenged. In the end, we see and hear their discussions--fueled by a truly diverse set of life experiences--come to friendly agreement on differences or conciliation to a common conclusion. That is the development of critical thinking to which we are devoted, based on primary sources, factual information, and resources with meaningful input.
Circling back to my original reference to classic literature, it is heartening to hear our students able to distinguish and identify the sorts of experiences endured by Hester Prynne and the residents of Salem as discriminatory and hysterical. This is why developing critical thinkers, something that might sound intangible, is one of the most important parts of any effective education.
Happy fall!
Celeste
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Lessons Learned: Senator Chris Hansen, Ph.D.
By Bryce Li and Skyla Rogers
One of the biggest supporters of COSLI is Senator Chris Hansen, PhD. Hansen comes to COSLI each year to visit with the students. He gives speeches and interacts with students; they can ask questions and have one on one conversations with him. Recently, Hansen joined us for a virtual meeting where we were able to interview him and ask a few questions.
We talked about how he got to the position of Colorado senator. He said that he grew up loving the news, which led to policy debate captivating his interest in high school. In college, he was student body president and the president of his fraternity. Through this, he began to advocate for higher education funding and has been involved with politics ever since.
Even though being a politician has its perks, there are also challenges. Hansen stated that it is hard because “you are not going to be able to make everything happen,” and “you have to know what your foundation is like and that it can get hard and it is the quickest way to disaster if you don’t know it.” Overall, he advised that a politician just has to be straightforward and willing to work to meet the needs of their constituents.
Switching gears to Colorado, Hansen had a lot to say about how Colorado is doing. In terms of politics in Colorado, he believes that the term limits are restrictive and campaign finance limits are too low. Campaigning is a lot of work and costs a lot of money.
Hansen believes that there is a lot to be fixed in this state. He said Colorado is badly underfunding K-12 and higher education. He also believes there are deep structural issues in the budget, and that we are not taking care of our infrastructure. Though he believes that these are some major issues in the state of Colorado, he thinks that climate change is the biggest problem. He is strongly engaged in solving these problems in a real and measurable way. He said that while he spends a lot of his time on environmental/energy issues, he also serves on the JBC and is involved with addressing budget and tax concerns. Hansen advises that those with knowledge and abilities should offer expertise and use their background to find solutions.
Hansen is deeply committed to and enjoys his affiliation with COSLI. He attended Kansas’ governor’s school and he said that “the experience changed my life and it opened up new doors.” Since he came from a small town, he was able to get on a different trajectory than other students where he grew up, and he realized that it was okay to “be a nerd.” Hansen believes that COSLI helps students because it combines many students from different backgrounds. COSLI invites kids around the state, from the heart of Denver to Rifle on the western slope to out in the plains, to collaborate and get to know each other. He believes that this has a huge impact on a student’s development because it allows them to connect with a diverse set of students. He also sees it as important because students come together and begin to hear and understand each other's vantage points.
In COSLI’s 2021 sessions, there was much discussion about gentrification and the homeless camps in Denver. Hansen’s perspective acknowledges the speed of gentrification in the Denver metro area, which is causing prices to increase and creating a lot of change to neighborhoods. He thinks that we can protect neighborhoods while ensuring smart growth. Regarding homeless camps, he believes we can't have unregulated homeless areas. However, we can create safe outdoor spaces and create entry-level housing options for those ready to transition. There is also an element of homelessness that is drug addiction and mental illness. He believes you can't make an addict stop until they decide to stop for themselves, but he thinks that the city can provide help.
Thanks to Chris Hansen for meeting and being a support to COSLI, this summer’s students were able to discuss issues and talk to him in an engaging way.
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Student Features
by Ava Warren
Weam Mohamed (Aurora, 2020) became one of the board members for YCD (Youth Celebrate Diversity)!
Grace Shulte (Gunnison, 2020) won the 2021 Gunnison Valley Mentors Youth Leadership Award and scholarship! She was also accepted to both Utah State University and Utah Valley University.
Livi Christiansen (Fort Collins, 2021) was awarded a Tony Grampsas Youth Services Board seat. Livi is also the Co-Chair of COYAC (Colorado Youth Advisory Council).
Allison Thomas (Wiggins, 2020) was selected for the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program.
Archer Goodman (Denver, 2021) has begun work on his approved Eagle Scout project--he is building a prayer labyrinth in his community.
Itzel Gonzalez (Deer Trail, 2014) presented the Civic Champion Award to US Senator Michael Bennet, as WAGEES Director for Servicios de la Raza.
McKenzie Woodhead (Colorado Springs, 2020) hit a personal record in Cross Country this fall. Go McKenzie!
Mo Dominguez (Denver, 2020) was selected to be part of their dance company’s senior company.
We are so proud of our COSLI alumni! Contact Ava Warren (warrenav@s.dcsdk12.org) with college acceptances as they start rolling in and any other cool projects or successes!
COSLI Birthdays!
by Riley Cooper
Happy Birthday to our COSLI Alumni! May your day be full of smiles!
Love, your COSLI Family.
Nina Hufman - 10/3
Yosira Xinal - 10/7
Brianna Wilber - 10/8
Sydney Pruitt - 10/9
Yael Sanchez-Vargas - 10/9
Bryan Rivera-Ibarra - 10/10
Sahra Bistegne - 10/11
Sophia Truex - 10/12
James Vongphasouk - 10/12
Taliyah Claiborne - 10/14
Rebekah Jensen - 10/20
Madison Jett - 10/21
Brittany O’Donnell - 10/21
Emma Law - 10/23
Linh Tran - 10/23
Leticia Madrigal - 10/25
Drew Smith - 10/27
Yubia Delgado - 10/29
Kaya Crawford - 10/30
Skyla Rogers - 10/30
Meron Worku - 10/30
Colorado History
What else happened in October?
by Riley Cooper
October 20th, 1890: Rancher Robert Miller Womack discovers a rich gold lode along Cripple Creek near Pikes Peak. The Cripple Creek Mining District will soon produce more than 730 tonnes of gold, the most of any Rocky Mountain district.
October 17th, 1929: The Denver Municipal Airport opens.
October 8th, 1969: John Denver’s debut album, Rhymes & Reasons, is released.
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COSLI Reads
Need book recommendations? Here’s a list of what the COSLI alumni are reading — take a look, you might find one you like!
The Future of Smart: How Our Education System Needs to Change to Help Young People Thrive by Dr. Ulcca Hansen (nonfiction)
If I Tell You the Truth by Jasmin Kaur (fiction told through poetry and prose)
Helmet For My Pillow by Robert Leckie (personal narrative)
Is God a Mathematician? by Mario Livio (nonfiction)
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (fantasy)
The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes (memoir)
Need podcast and music recommendations? Our COSLI alumni have lots of music and podcast recommendations that they enjoy. See what your COSLI alumni have been listening to!
Forgotten: Women of Juáres - podcast
Nordic Mythology Podcast - podcast
Science Friday - podcast
Teenager Therapy - podcast
The Black Parade - album by My Chemical Romance
"Don’t Take the Money" - song by Bleachers
"Like You Do" - song by Joji
MONTERO - album by Lil Nas X
"The Rains of Castemere" - song by Ramin Djawadi
"UFO" - song by LANY and The National Parks
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COSLI 2022 APPLICATION NOW OPEN!
The 2022 COSLI application is now open!
Apply here!
Application open: October 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022
Admissions Decisions: Early March 2022
2022 Program: July 10-August 6, 2022 |
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Alumni Feature
By Kaya Crawford
COSLI was a bit different this year for the classes of 2020 and 2021. Instead of spending four weeks on campus, the classes were split into two sessions. Each session spent two weeks learning virtually and one week together in Denver, enjoying all the field trips they could. I was a member of session 2 and have asked my class to answer some questions. Here is what session 2 thought about their COSLI experience.
The class applied to COSLI for a variety of reasons. The college credit was definitely attractive to many, as was the summer experience. Some students explained that they applied because another told them about the program, especially after hearing from friends about their life-changing experience. The overall consensus from the class was that they applied to engage with like-minded peers from across the state and give themselves a new opportunity.
Overall, the students of Session 2 gave themselves and were given an incredible experience. They certainly had some late nights together, and despite having to stay up until 2:00 AM doing homework, the late nights hold some of the best memories. Some students stayed up late working with their group or talking to the RA’s. Group work and getting to know everyone was a favorite memory for the entire class.Though the whole week was amazing, session 2 holds most of its favorite memories in the last two days of the program. They lost the famous alumni vs. student kickball game, the day at Elitches and spending quality time together holds many memories that no one can take for granted, staying up through the night to watch the sunset together for the last day. We created memories and came together, becoming life-long close friends.
We also wanted to let future COSLI students know what is in store for them when they attend the program by describing their favorite conversations and field trips. Wings Over the Rockies holds a special place for everyone. Not everyone enjoys it for the planes, though. Everyone fondly recalls becoming a family the day of this field trip. The lunch afterward allowed the class to visit and laugh. The other favorite field trip was the day at the Art Museum, History Colorado, and the Capital. On this field trip, the session delivered food to the homeless and conversed with them. One student recalls that the man who she gave food to was allergic to the food that was often offered in the park and was grateful to have food he could eat. Speaking with the homeless made them question their decision to study STEM because they realized their strong desire to serve others.
Though the field trips were key, Session 2 also recalled some of their favorite speakers. Tutsa, who spoke to the class on World Religions Day, greatly touched many in the class through his expression of gratitude. His gratitude caused a change of thought in many of the class. Dr. Charles Ferguson was another favorite because of the “life advice” he shared. Despite being one of the most difficult conversations, another favorite speaker was Kat Hendrix, whose talk caused the class to continue to discuss their thoughts, even after she had left. Kat’s perspective opened up a lot of people’s minds and led to many necessary and important conversations.
Session 2 would like to leave some words of advice for future COSLI classes. The first is to be yourself and put yourself out there to meet new people. Be open-minded to everything you are exposed to and talk to every member of your class. Do not procrastinate on your homework because otherwise you will have many late nights that could have been spent with your classmates. Finally, it is entirely up to you to take what you want from this experience. Understand how valuable the work COSLI is doing for you. It can change your life and it will if you take advantage of the opportunities provided.
Session 2 will leave October’s newsletter with this message: The class of 2022 better watch out because the classes of 2020 and 2021 are going to kick their butt at kickball next summer.
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Opportunities & Events October 2021
By Mo Dominguez
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver Failure Fair Scholarships are opportunities for high school seniors planning to attend four year undergraduate schooling who submit an risk-taking, innovative project. Applicants are asked to present a drawing, painting, sculpture, dance, theatrical production, or musical composition with a 500-word essay description of their fantastical idea. Proposals are received from February 17th through March 20th. Finalists will receive $500 to $10,000 scholarships. More information here.
The Boettcher Foundation webinars on “Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships”: During the webinars, the Boettcher Foundation will go over how students can ace their college and scholarship applications, including the Boettcher Foundation scholarship. The webinars will also include tips on how to make applications stand out. Register to attend on October 6th, 9th, or 12th here.
The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors, particularly minority students, planning to major in computer science, computer/electrical engineering, or Chinese or Russian languages. In the Stokes Program, students will attend college full-time, then work during the summer at NSA’s HQ in Fort Meade, Maryland, for a minimum of 12 weeks in areas related to your course of study. Applications are open now and close on October 31st. More information here and here.
The Daniels Scholarship Program applications are now open! The deadline is Sunday, November 15, 2021 at 4:00 P.M. MST. Find the eligibility requirements and more information on how to apply here. COSLI has been honored to have had a Daniels Scholar chosen from each of its classes. Here’s to many more!
The Boettcher Foundation Scholarship is now open for applications! All Colorado high school seniors planning on attending college in Colorado are invited to apply! The application deadline is on November 1st, 2021 at 5:00 P.M. MST. More information on the scholarship program is here, apply here. The Boettcher Foundation is an important presenter during COSLI each summer!
The 350 Colorado Youth Action Committee is a committee for the 350 Colorado climate organization dedicated to promoting youth activism and interest in climate action. The committee is run by youth for youth. The youth action committee is for any youth living in or outside of Colorado who has interest in having a say in the future of climate action or wants to be involved in climate action and climate strikes. More information on the Youth Action Committee and 350 Colorado here. Join the committee here.
Student Sponsors for the Civics Secures Democracy Act: The Civics Secures Democracy Act is a bill introduced to congress to increase students’ education in civics and history. The YMCA is asking for student sponsors around the country to support the act and try to get the bill passed. Information on the bill here and sponsorship nomination form here.
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COSLI Newsletter Contributors
Tobin Wheeler, Editor (Salida, CO)
Riley Cooper (Broomfield, CO)
Kaya Crawford (Crawford, CO)
Emma Davis (Aurora, CO)
Moriah Dominguez (Denver, CO)
Mohamed Ibrahim (Wiggins, CO)
Bryce Li (Broomfield, CO)
Skyla Rogers (Westminster, CO)
Ava Warren (Highlands Ranch, CO)
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