It is hard to believe that this Program is coming to an end. This summer was filled with surprises. I remember when I was an incoming Freshman in the Bridge. My first day I was shy and quiet, the same way you guys were the first day. I got so close to eight crazy girls and till this day we are still best friends. I also remember when Isaac was one of my favorite interns and to this day he still is. He always makes me laugh. I also remember my intern Alex Brooks. Now he is on his way to college.

Things were different when I was doing the Program. I only got two credits. Now you get three credits. Before, we were split up into two groups. One group was art/history and the other group was science/math. Now you are in four groups. It was very different in those days, but I noticed one thing that’s common from before and now. Everybody made friends and got close. I also made new friends this summer. At first I was scared that this was going to affect my job. Instead it made me love my job more. This experience also really made me want to achieve my dream of being a teacher. This internship brought me one step closer to my dream.

I had a lot of fun, but I also learned a lot of great things. Working with Mr. Spooner was fun. He’s a very good math teacher. I hope you get him for math. Too bad I never did, but it’s okay, because when school starts I’m going to ask Ms. France if I can intern with him again as a Pre-Teacher. I know Mr. Spooner thinks that’s a great idea.

I hope everybody had fun and learned something new. Have a great summer and I’ll see you in September. I’m going to miss you all. Bye!

–Leomi Crystal Gonell (class of 2007)

I was ready to be a Freshman in high school and I attended the Summer Bridge Program. I was really shy at first and scared of making new friends, but as soon as I got over my fear, the Program became a second home for me. I have always been friendly, but meeting new people overwhelmed me. During the Summer Program I met my current best friend, Janill, but at that time we weren’t really best friends, we were associates. The trips were as fun as they are now. The only difference was that we didn’t have the same teachers as now, and the Program was broken up into two groups (Art in the City and Aquatic Ecosystems). After the Program was over I was so sad because I had made new friends and I was going to miss them for the rest of the summer, but I was happy as well because I was going to see them again when school started. Most of my classes were with the people who I went to the Program with. I graduated from high school with them as well, and now they are about to embark on a new journey. Though it was sad to leave high school, I’m happy I made it.

I want to advise the future class of 2009 that no matter who tries to put you down, always reach higher than you can achieve. There are many people out there who will doubt your abilities, but that will just make you strive higher. I was so happy meeting all of you because I shared a lot with you guys. Besides having great fun, I shared my first working experience and the first step of making dreams a reality. I want you guys to leave a mark when you graduate, because I know that all of you have that potential. I will miss you all. Each and every one of you has taught me something different every day, and I will always appreciate that. All the laughter that went on, and all the food we ate, will become memories to me. Bye, guys, and don’t forget about me. I’ll go back to the High School for Teaching and the Professions and check on how you guys are doing. And please don’t mess up on your first year of high school because you will always regret it. Do your best and respect your fellow classmates and treat the teachers with the same respect that you would want them to give to you. Have fun, but also be serious about your school work. Adios!!

I have been interning for the Summer Bridge Program since my sophomore year. I can still remember my first year interning with Ms. Randall, Mr. Rivera, and Mrs. Fields. At that time the Program was divided into two groups. Science was known as Aquatic Ecosystems and English was known as Art In The City. That year I interned for Ms. Randall; we went on several trips and had tons of work to grade. It was an amazing experience for my future, since at the time I was interested in a career in science. Ms. Randall was a great inspiration for me; her advice led me to want to become a veterinarian.

This is the last week of the Summer Program . I will never forget it. I just recently in June graduated from HSTP–I was in the first graduating class! Now I am entering, as they say, the "Real World, and receiving practice for my future career as a teacher is the best form of spending my summer. My sudden change of career is due to HSTP’s Pre-Teaching Program.

students was literally the best, they weren’t any trouble and I am thankful for that. This was the best experience and I am so thankful for receiving this opportunity to learn more about being a teacher.

My advice to the future Class of 2009 is to keep your head up. Believe in yourself and have faith that the teachers are truly not out to get you. As I always say "everything happens for a reason," and during your high school years one may need to keep this in mind. Pay attention and work hard, for it will pay off in the future. Be yourself and don’t allow anybody to put you down. For those who are interested in the teaching field, consider Pre-Teaching, for it gives you the one-on-one experience of teaching. Remember, you are your own master and you yourself know what you are capable of. Life is full of journeys and obstacles, and high school is one of the hardest. Once again, thank you for everything, and I hope to be able to work here in the summer again. From a former student in HSTP, to the incoming freshmen, best of luck in high school! I will never forget you!