COSLI February 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,
My past week has been filled with the topics of price inflation, opportunity cost, the family construct, and integration using partial fraction decomposition. Aside from the calculus work, the insight into the modern American systems surrounding the low and middle class has been extremely valuable. Within one week, I learned concepts in my economics and sociology classes that have drastically molded my current perspective of contemporary society. Although the gained knowledge pushed me to understand more, there was an unexpected bump in this new path I discovered. I began to realize it was the connection and personal reflection I had to make to my own life as the son of Palestinian immigrants.
When I decided to write this month’s letter about my experiences in the past week, I was unsure what importance it would have to all the readers out there, to all of you. As I sat and thought about it more and more, it clicked; Colorado has entered a new legislative session. The policy reform and system change implemented in the coming months will hopefully provide a new foundation for the pervasive issues Coloradans are facing on a daily basis. In addition to this, it is our civic responsibility to ensure that our representatives and trusted officials maintain their promises to their constituents. Change is on the horizon, but it can only be achieved by eliminating polarization and working toward a common ground.
Here is a copy of the letter I sent to Colorado’s State legislators:
Dear Colorado Senators and Representatives,
First, thank you so much for continuing to acknowledge the hard and successful work done by Colorado Student Leaders Institute.
When my father moved our family to rural Colorado, he started a service gas station and roadside tow company. “Be honest, work hard, and seek humanity in the people you help” was fundamental to how my family worked to provide the best services. His wise judgment and the insight that he provided me was central to how I conduct myself and engage in numerous communities. Living in a rural community as the only Muslim family, it was difficult to escape bigotry, and harder to build common ground with folks who could not see eye to eye with us. However, as I grew into my high school career and developed a strong passion for public service, I began to view these issues from different perspectives and developed a better approach to address pervasive stereotypes and social stigmas. I began to understand the power of what my father taught me from a young age. Seeking humanity and compromise in times of dispute and turmoil proved to be far more effective in building long-lasting relationships than clashing with ridicule or disgust. As I began to become more involved in driving positive impact in numerous communities, the basic lesson of respect and dignity that my father instilled in me transcended far beyond what I thought it would. Even as I enter this new chapter of my life, headed to college, I know dispute and debate are inevitable.
Our country is at a very pivotal moment in deciding the trajectory of numerous issues for the next decade. Some issues can only be addressed by finding common ground across party lines and understanding the need for all Coloradans. As we enter this legislative session, I hope the pervasive issue of polarization and spite can be replaced with compromise and improvement for the greater good. It is up to you all to guide this state in enacting the policy reform to better serve your constituents. This cannot be overshadowed by political polarization. Thank you for trusting COSLI to ensure all of our students are made to consider all perspectives. We have learned well from your expectations.
Thank you and all the best,
Mohamed Ibrahim
Wiggins High School
COSLI Class of 2019
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Letter from the Founding Executive Director
Friends of COSLI is proud to be a Project of the Rose Community Foundation
February is considered a month to celebrate love --so, here's to loving one another in a way that leads to positive outcomes for all, rather than the stalemates and anger we have all grown weary of seeing.
It is also the month set aside to honor black history. Below, you will see the story of Fathima Dickerson and her family's restaurant, Welton Street Cafe. Fathima was a student of mine when she was in 9th grade at East High School in Denver--today, she has just graduated with a second degree and is a published scholar. But what she loves most involves sweeping floors, serving up authentic soul food, and greeting customers who she has known since even before she was that 9th grader. Fathima is an enigma. There is a mural in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver that depicts her as an African Queen. She is. Her family and their business is a showcase for what is happening in Denver--our entire state actually. Last summer, students heard from developers in Denver, proponents of more green space in Denver, a developer in the Arkansas River Valley, and a former mayor of Buena Vista (small town in The Arkansas River Valley). Their stories were in direct conflict with one another and caused students to think deeply about their own definition of progress. It's a question that I believe they would pose to you, our readers. What is progress and what has/is it doing to our state? As a longtime resident of Denver, a city I love very much in a state I hold dearly, it is a challenge to reconcile the various answers. Five Points was once considered the "Harlem of the West." Well-known artists sang, painted, and flourished there. Lena Horne was a regular. The food was only surpassed by the jazz. There are several gems still there--Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, Black American West Museum, and Fathima's family's restaurant, along with several others. They are daily celebrations of African American history. Some would argue that they are all in need of preservation and protection, as does the culture they represent. What do you think? We'd love to hear. Next time you might be in Five Points, be sure to stop in for some catfish, greens and okra with Fathima and enjoy her mural located at Walnut Street between 27th and 28th Streets.
Celeste
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Lessons Learned: Fathima Dickerson
By Bryce Li
Community spaces and community voices are critical across America. Fathima Dickerson’s work with her family's long-lasting Welton Street Cafe is both deeply admirable and a direct reflection of the importance of these spaces and voices.
The Welton Street Cafe is, in many ways, a staple to Denver's community. Opened over 20 years ago, Welton Street Cafe is more than just a Five Points Business District hub; it is a place of community gathering, a place to celebrate Denver's culture and identity. "For decades," Dickerson emphasized, "people relied on us to be a consistent black business; we've raised generations."
Unfortunately, the Welton Street Cafe is now one of the last black businesses in the area. For many years, multilayered gentrification policies have pushed black family businesses out of the Five Points Business Districts. The cafe also feels these effects. During the summer of 2020, Dickerson created a GoFundMe, named "Last Man Standing," showing the community that even if alone, the Welton Street Cafe is still there. Dickerson explained, "We're still bringing the identity to a neighborhood once black."
The Welton Street Cafe is still in need of assistance to stay afloat during these tough times — a combination of the ongoing pandemic and the pressure of gentrification. But Dickerson says that the best way to support the cafe is by "[telling] a friend to support our business, to buy a meal, to be a part of our environment." The cafe is one of a kind because of its unique vibe. The cafe hopes to support the community as well. "Soon, we hope to build the capacity to offer accessible food for the homeless," Dickerson said.
Alongside her management of the Welton Street Cafe, Dickerson has been working to advance her education. She recently graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a Master's Degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Women and Gender Studies. She also hopes to use her thesis centering around black empowerment and narratives to understand how to better serve Denver's community. Dickerson explains,"I want to work to revitalize the community hub that is the Welton Street Cafe… I hope to create a nonprofit branch under the Welton Street Cafe focusing on serving both the 'haves' and the 'have nots,' to extend resources to people the most."
Finally, Dickerson believes there is progress that must be made in the issues of racial justice and equity. Specifically, she believes education must be improved to enable students to critically challenge traditional narratives, while we, as a society, must be more willing to share who we are and contemplate our shared experiences. By sharing our perspectives and backgrounds, we might build a more equitable and prosperous society. Dickerson left us with her favorite quote, from author Don Miguel Ruiz: "We are all storytellers, and we are the stories we tell."
If you are interested in donating to the Welton Street Cafe, please visit this GoFundMe link.
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Student Features
by Ava Warren
Brandon Dang (2020) and Mohamed Ibrahim (2019) are Daniels Scholarship finalists! We’ll be watching for the finals with baited breath.
Myria Garcia (2018) has begun an internship in D.C. so integral it is top secret. Way to citizen!
Allie Greene (2021) was selected to compete on her high school’s swim and dive C Leagues Championship Team.
Hailey Dennis (2016) is working with One Chance to Grow up (formerly Smart Colorado) to promote Marijuana Free Zones in schools in the San Luis Valley, creating a positive environment where marijuana is not part of the culture. Schools pledge their commitment to keep students safe by posting decals in their windows. She is also working on curriculum development to teach about the dangers of marijuana commercialization.
Grace Schulte (2020) was named valedictorian of Gunnison High School!
Anjana Radha (2021) and Karthik Reddy (2020) are appointed members of Colorado Youth Advisory Council and testified at the Capitol to support legislation that would allow students in the foster system to attend college without cost to the students.
Hagan Archer (2018) testified before the South Dakota State Legislature regarding proper regulation of marijuana, citing what he has experienced in Colorado. Hagan is a freshman at SD School of Mines and Technology.
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!
Colorado History
What else happened in February?
by Riley Cooper
February 9, 1874: The territory of Colorado purchases the Territorial School of Mines (now the Colorado School of Mines) in Golden from the Episcopal Church for $5,000.
February 15, 1910: The Denver Public Library dedicates its new library building.
February 7, 1937: A donated rope tow, also known as a T-bar, begins operation at Berthoud Pass, creating Colorado’s first public assisted alpine skiing.
February 10, 1968: Colorado College alum Peggy Fleming wins the Olympic gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Winter Olympic Games hosted in Grenoble, France.
February 11, 2008: The Luis A. Jimenez Jr. sculpture Blue Mustang is unveiled at Denver International Airport.
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COSLI Birthdays!
by Riley Cooper
Happy Birthday to our COSLI Alumni! May your day be full of smiles!
Love, your COSLI Family.
Giulina Chavez - 2/2
Ezekiel Coventry - 2/4
Taylor Dunbar - 2/4
Deajane Morgan - 2/4
Sean Gilhooly - 2/7
Amiah Hanson - 2/7
Anjana Radha - 2/7
Honey Zin - 2/7
Benjamin Berry - 2/8
Brin Riley - 2/12
Andrea Espinosa-Torres - 2/14
Vianney Herrera - 2/14
Gabrielle Kirk - 2/14
Zoe McAnn-Klausz - 2/14
Clark Wilson - 2/15
Angel Amankwaah - 2/16
Tallie Geshow - 2/16
Sarah Keller - 2/16
Verenice Ballesteros - 2/18
Jaclyn Villareal - 2/19
Sonya Rolstin - 2/20
Kendric Chen - 2/24
Mikayla Crouse - 2/24
Kent Hernandez - 2/24
Kevin Hernandez - 2/24
Alex Dao - 2/25
Kenneth Huynh - 2/27
Daniela Jaquez - 2/27
Kayla Hawkes - 2/28
Michael Hernandez - 2/28
Sartaj Singh - 2/28
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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)
Ava Warren (Highlands Ranch, CO)
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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 |
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Alumni Feature: Lindsay Anderson
By Knox Leonard and Allison Thomas
Lindsay Anderson, a nursing major at MSU Denver, was accepted to the COSLI class of 2018 after being advised to apply by an alum and friend. COSLI “has had one of the biggest impacts on [her] life.” The program opened her eyes to a lot of our state’s issues, and she was encouraged to use her privilege, skills, and abilities to make positive change. Lindsay recalls being nervous as she met the strangers she would be living with for the next three weeks, but as she got out of her shell and became her authentic self, these strangers quickly became a lifelong family. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she found confidence in her voice as she learned how to better interact with people in unfamiliar environments. She then took the interpersonal skills she developed at COSLI and used them in the leadership positions she held in her senior year of high school, and now, in countless aspects of everyday life.
Lindsay’s advice to future students is to make the most of their time at COSLI. To ensure that it is the life-changing experience it was for her, Lindsay urges future students to fully immerse themselves in the program by completing their assignments, engaging with experts, and collaborating with their peers. Her fondest memory of COSLI was working late at night with her lab group. With only a few hours of sleep and lots of coffee, Lindsay and her group practiced and perfected their presentations, winning their business awards for greatest longevity and profit!
Currently, Lindsay is part of the Student Government Association as a first-year/transfer student committee member. She plans to renew her CNA license and get a job working at a hospital. After graduating nursing school in 2024, Lindsay plans to start a career as a travel nurse to follow her passions, see the world, and immerse herself in different cultures.
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Opportunities & Events January 2022
By Mo Dominguez
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 Walden Woods Project Live Deliberately Essay Contest invites youth ages 14-18 around the world to consider a selected Henry David Thoreau quotation and accompanying prompt. Contestants are asked to write a thoughtful essay that uses personal experience and observation to demonstrate how that year's quotation and prompt relate to their own lives and the world around them. Each participating student is required to have an adult sponsor to assist them with their essay. Winners will receive a $500 prize. The deadline for submission is February 21st at 10:00 AM EST. More information and submission here.
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.
The National Scholarship is available to eligible high school juniors in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. 106 $25,000 scholarships are awarded each year to students who exhibit integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. National Scholars receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. during the spring of their senior year to participate in the National Scholars Conference. The application closes on March 15, 2022. More information and application 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. Applications are closed, but the program will still be accepting applications to be added to the waitlist. More info here.
The Student Leadership Academy is a summer learning experience held in June at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Each session is rooted in the Museum's collection and utilizes oral histories, public exhibits, and live interviews with World War II and Iraqi Freedom veterans. Students will hear from World War II guest scholars and leaders in the museum field. Applications close early April. More information here.
The Medical Career (MC²) Collaborative Program at Children's Hospital Colorado and Denver Health is a high school internship program for juniors and seniors interested in the medical field. The two-year program propels high school students toward careers in healthcare through hands-on experiences and professional development opportunities at Children's Hospital Colorado and Denver Health. More information and application here.
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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!
Children of Blood and Bone and Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi (fantasy)
Sunrise by the Sea: A Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan (fiction)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (fiction)
Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman (poetry/social commentary)
Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd (finance)
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (fiction)
A Raisin In the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry (play)
The Cause of Freedom by Jonathon Scott Holloway (history)
Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata (fiction)
Thorn by Intisar Khanani (fantasy)
Beloved by Toni Morrison (historical fiction)
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus (fiction)
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (fiction)
Supper Club by Lara Williams (fiction)
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!
How To Save A Planet - podcast
Poetry Unbound - podcast
Revisionist History - podcast
YIKES Podcast - podcast
Encanto (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - album by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions [deluxe edition]- album by Taylor Swift
Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons - album by Max Richter
Revolution Radio - album by Green Day
“Runaway Goliath” - song by Mantarabryn
Stranger in the Alps - album by Phoebe Bridgers
Van Weezer - album by Weezer
30 - album by Adele
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