COSLI April Newsletter
The COSLI newsletter is written and edited by students on the COSLI Student Advisory Board.
Enjoy student updates, perspectives, events, and opportunities.
|
|
|
Letter from the Student Advisory Board President
Dear Friends of COSLI,
As the final months of the school year approached and admissions decisions were released alongside deadlines for senior highlights, I was in desperate search of a senior quote. After scrolling through countless pages of author after author, something clicked. My senior quote would not be something funny or excessively deep; it would be something that wraps up the world we live in today in basic terms. With Ramadan arriving, I decided the best choice of author was Mufti Ismail Menk, an Islamic scholar whom I have closely listened to over the past few weeks while searching for answers to the chaos consuming the world around us.
“When you finally realize that nothing is permanent in this life, you will become more tolerant, more forgiving, and less judgemental.”
- Mufti Ismail Menk
The words are simple enough for anyone to understand, yet powerful enough to transform minds and solve the issues around us. I found these words to be the foundation for how our world must reduce the crises around us. The war crimes in Ukraine, the threat to democracy in our own nation, exponentially rising polarization, and irreversible damage to our planet must be addressed through human compromise and international agreement. A path must be found to innovate and sustain a future for generations to follow, and as I near the end of my involvement with COSLI and numerous organizations, I have realized common ground and the realization of impermanence are key to establishing this. From social justice reform to answering the complex questions of clean energy, the future is in our hands.
Thank you and all the best,
Mohamed Ibrahim
Wiggins High School
COSLI Class of 2019
|
|
|
Letter from the Founding Executive Director
Friends of COSLI is proud to be a Project of the Rose Community Foundation
Welcome to Spring! My family celebrates Easter. One of my favorite songs to celebrate this holiday starts like this:
"Let us sing of Easter gladness that rejoices every day, Sing of hope and faith uplifted."
For me, Easter represents an opportunity for rejuvenation, re-birth and re-starts. In the world of education, it is the season of graduations and acceptances - all important re-births and re-starts. Our alumni are getting into impressive schools, programs, scholarship opportunities. Our newest students are being selected for the 2022 summer. We are fortunate to be able to enjoy these celebrations. There are many around the world who are not able to enjoy this time, with bombs falling, earth drying or running over and nothing that seems joyful anywhere on the horizon.
My hope in this season is that all who read this will feel so much gladness they are eager to share it with those around them, allowing for a better contagion that might spread as globally as any previous less desirous dis-ease.
Celeste
|
|
|
|
|
Lessons Learned: Tushta Krishna Das
By Joe MacDougall
In 1992, Tushta Krishna Das, Colorado Hare Krishna Elder and then environmental activist, was participating in Walk Across America for Mother Earth, bringing awareness to nuclear testing on indigenous Shoshone land, when he decided to go to Colorado to further his spiritual discipline. Already a student of yoga and the texts of Bhagavad-Gita, Tushta Krishna Das joined an Ashram in Boulder and continued his spiritual journey, traveling across the United States with an elder monk, teaching the philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita and the path of Dharma, leading musical meditation, and practicing Bhakti-yoga, considered “the union with divinity through devotion and dedication.” In 2009, he took on the official director role at the Denver Krishna Temple. Since then, in addition to his regular duties as a spiritual leader, Tushta Krishna Das meets with community members, visitors, and student groups, including COSLI.
Each year, COSLI students participate in World Religions Day to develop a stronger worldview and knowledge of other practices. As part of World Religions Day, students have the opportunity to visit the Denver Krishna Temple; however, due to the pandemic, the 2021 event was conducted online. COSLI groups met with Tushta Krishna Das via Zoom to learn about his experiences with the movement in Denver and to discuss a religious practice with which many were unfamiliar.
Tushta Krishna Das describes Bhakti-yoga as an essential process for cultivating the human spirit. He explains that Hare Krishna is not just another sectarian religion, noting, “The roots of this tradition go beyond any superficial principle. It is not just like a Hindu religion out of India or just like a modern day cult that started in the beet neck hippie area of the late ’60’s. It’s an ancient, ancient tradition. In fact, the principles and philosophy are based on perennial wisdom principles — what we called Sanatana Dharma, the path of eternal wisdom.” Tushta Krishna Das considers Hare Krishna to be a very universal cultural and a philosophical way of life.
To truly understand the Krishna Consciousness or Bhakti-yoga, Tushta Krishna Das recommends visiting cultural centers and meeting the people who are practitioners. He stresses that people should not rely on the internet to study the religious organization, but instead interact with those who are at the heart of the Hare Krishna community. He also believes it is crucial to study and get a feel for the sacred texts. Studying original texts and interacting with regular practitioners will help people better understand the Hare Krishna philosophy and clear up misconceptions.
In this modern age with screens dominating our lives and demanding our attention, Tushta Krishna Das warns, “The screen has become such a powerful tool, and there is so much one can do to get distracted, so many things to draw our attention to things outside of ourselves.” He draws upon one of the lessons of the philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita in the fifth chapter of Krishna, and says, “One whose aim is inward, one whose happiness is inward, one whose rejoice is inward, is the true mystic and they attain Rama Nirvana, liberation in the near future.”
Tushta Krishna Das advises that we examine our lives and explore our purpose and meaning. He suggests that we “give some attention to that inner cultivation” through some kind of daily practice, whether it be through yoga, meditation, or sacred chants. He impresses the importance of doing “the training that the soul is needing,” so we can go into our daily lives with a deeper awareness. Essentially, as Tushta Krishna Das summarizes it, “living from the inside out.”
Interacting with students like those of COSLI is a highlight for Tushta Krishna Das, who says, “It’s always nice to connect with students. You are our future leaders. I always encourage the younger generation. Along with the academic, athletic, and social endeavors… it's cultivating the human spirit in an authentic way.” He goes on to note many of the conflicts we are facing across the globe, and reflects, “There is so much crisis going on, so if there’s a group of individuals keeping their integrity and dignity and bringing some goodness to the world, that’s much needed.” He challenges COSLI students, along with all members of the young generation: “Be instrumental in bringing some good to the world.”
|
|
|
Student Features
Knox Leonard (Denver, 2021) testified before CO State Legislature, opposed to flavored cigarettes. He has also been selected by the National Security Language Initiative for Youth to study Arabic in Amman, Jordan for 7 weeks this summer!
Kaliah Yizar (Denver, 2021) testified before the legislature in favor of making Juneteenth a state recognized holiday. She will be speaking with the White House senior advisor team later this month.
Moriah Domingez (Denver, 2020) was accepted into Meredity College's honors program and teaching scholars program!
Mohamed Ibrahim (Wiggins, 2018), Carolina Loa (Commerce City, 2019), and Brandon Dang (Highlands Ranch, 2020) earned the Daniels Fund Scholarship! Woohoo!
Hagan Archer (Denver, 2018) was elected Sophomore Student Senator at South Dakota School of Mines!
Mohamed Ibrahim (Wiggins, 2018) broke the 2A discus 50-year-old state record, throwing 185.' He has also been accepted to Yale, Columbia, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, USC, Berkeley and UCLA.
Allison Thomas (Wiggins, 2020) has been accepted to Stanford, Columbia, Pace, CO School of Mines, UCSD, Lehigh, UC Berkeley, CU Boulder, CU Denver, UC Irvine and Suffolk! She has a lot of decisions to make! She is also a finalist for the Greenhouse Scholars Scholarship.
Riley Cooper (Broomfield, 2020) has been named the CO 2022 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award by the WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA. Great trip on the horizon!
Amiah Hanson (Durango, 2020) was admitted to the Barnard Summer Institute STEMinist track, with a focus on women's leadership in STEM fields.
Michelle Chen (Wheat Ridge, 2021) was accepted to a $20,000 scholarship from HQ AFJROTC to obtain her private pilot's license.
Vianney Herrera (Thornton, 2021), Joe MacDougall (Golden, 2020), Kaya Crawford (Crawford, 2020), Paolo, Davis (Grand Junction, 2021), Tobin Wheeler (Salida, 2020), MacKenzie Woodhead (CO Springs, 2020), Riley Cooper (Broomfield, 2020), Anjana Radha, (Lafayette, 2020), Keshav Nambiar (Colorado Springs, 2020) were all winners at National History Day in Colorado Regional contests and will be competing at State.
Anjana Radha
(Lafayette, 2020), Bryce Li (Lafayette, 2021) and Jonah DiGiacomo (Durango, 2020) competed at State Speech and Debate!
Colorado History
What else happened in April?
by Riley Cooper
April 19, 1878: Atchinson, a construction crew, blocks Denver and Rio Grande Railway Company from building into the Royal Gorge, starting a small war!
April 5, 1987: The National Mining Museum is opened in Leadville.
April 28, 2012: The History of Colorado Center is opened for public viewing.
April 26th, 2020: Governor Jared Polis lifts the statewide stay-at-home order.
|
|
|
COSLI 2022 APPLICATION NOW OPEN!
The 2022 COSLI application is now open!
Apply here!
Application open: October 1, 2021 to April 30, 2002 (extended!)
Admissions Decisions: Rolling Admissions
2022 Program: July 10-August 6, 2022 |
|
|
Alumni Feature: Sheila Ta
By Anjana Radha and Allison Thomas
Sheila Ta, COSLI alum from 2018, found COSLI to be a profoundly life-changing experience.Ta entered the program blind after it was suggested by one of Sheila’s mentors, and it would endup bringing out the best version of Ta. A downtown Denver trip including bike rides and live music remained a treasured memory for Ta throughout high school. Additionally, the intellectual curiosity she saw in her COSLI peers developed her desire to be surrounded by like-minded, ambitious people and inspired a greater interest in education.
Ta resonates strongly with the following quote by Ariel Sabar: “Each time a language dies, another flame goes out, another sound goes silent.” She aspires to learn as many languages as possible, and is currently exploring Japanese and Spanish. She believes each language is a window to a complex culture and history. Alongside her linguistic goals, Ta also aims to challenge her creative ideas and maintain a positive mindset throughout life.
Ta is studying International Studies with a concentration on global politics and societies and a regional focus on Asia at the University of San Francisco. In her newfound home in the heart of San Francisco, Ta thrives in a diverse environment of various cultures, ethnicities, and histories. Outside of class, Ta works for Engage Literacy, a tutoring program for unprivileged kids. This program also relates to Ta’s fascination with languages, as the children she helps may speak various languages. She is captivated by the unique historical significance each has for students, families, and neighborhoods. Ta will continue down this path of social justice, reminiscing on the impacts COSLI had on her decisions.
|
|
Opportunities & Events April 2022
By Mo Dominguez
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 inside 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.
Women in the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame student-written biographies: This opportunity is for any student doing an NHDC project. Students can sign up and will receive $25 for each biography completed. After you sign up, a NHDC student board member will email you to confirm your signup. Signup here.
The TBK Scholars Program awards a $1,000 scholarship to fifteen hardworking students who qualify as low to moderate income according to standards set forth by the Community Reinvestment Act. Students living in a community served by TBK Bank and demonstrating financial need are encouraged to apply. Students have the opportunity to apply beginning Monday, February 14 and ending at the close of business on Wednesday, April 15. More information here.
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a two-week virtual program that teaches 10 - 12th grade girls and non-binary students the computer science skills they need to prepare for a career in tech. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, meet women in tech careers, and join a supportive sisterhood of girls in tech. More info here and application here!
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program is a hands-on learning experience for highschool students across the country and globe at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Students will have the opportunity to dive deep into a field of study with access to world-class faculty, researchers, and industry professionals. More information and application here.
|
|
COSLI Reads & Listens
Need book recommendations? Here’s a list of what the COSLI alumni are reading — take a look, you might find one you like!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austine (fiction)
The Woman Destroyed by Simone de Beauvior (fiction)
Due for Discard by Sharon St. George (mystery)
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (historical fiction)
Circe by Madeline Miller (historical fiction)
Beloved by Toni Morrison (historical fiction)
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (fantasy)
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!
An Unexpected Journey - podcast
Behind the Bastards - podcast
How To Save A Planet - podcast
Invisibilia - podcast
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark - podcast
Poetry Unbound - podcast
Revisionist History - podcast
This Podcast Will Kill You - podcast
YIKES - podcast
“A Little Bit of Love” - song by Weezer
From Under The Cork Tree - album by Fallout Boy
|
|
COSLI Birthdays!
by Riley Cooper
Happy Birthday to our COSLI Alumni! May your day be full of smiles!
Love, your COSLI Family.
Hailey Dennis - 4/2
Breanne Barrett - 4/3
Rowan Ehn - 4/4
Kaliah Yizar - 4/5
Yashaswi Bista - 4/7
Arely Cardenas - 4/8
Polina Kolpokova - 4/8
Luke Grabe - 4/9
Ally Hericks - 4/9
Sandra Brock - 4/10
John Phan - 4/10
Karla Pereyra-Pena - 4/13
Jessica Barkemeyer - 4/23
Alle Greene - 4/24
Ruvi Cervantes - 4/29
Lindsay Anderson - 4/30
Benjamin Garfield - 4/30
|
|
COSLI Newsletter Contributors
Tobin Wheeler, Editor (Salida, CO)
Riley Cooper (Broomfield, CO)
Kaya Crawford (Crawford, CO)
Mo Dominguez (Denver, CO)
Mohamed Ibrahim (Wiggins, CO)
Knox Leonard (Denver, CO)
Bryce Li (Broomfield, CO)
Joe MacDougall (Golden, CO)
Anjana Radha (Erie, CO)
Skyla Rogers (Westminster, CO)
Allison Thomas (Wiggins, CO)
|
|
|
|
|
|
