New Jersey SEEDS News - October 2015 eSeedlings

James Garcia
Scholars '11 |
Cambridge School of Weston '15 |
Swarthmore College '19

This summer, James Garcia was one of eight alumni who completed an internship program with Automated Data Processing (ADP) through NJ SEEDS. This fall, he began his first year at Swarthmore College.

Can you briefly describe your experience at ADP?
My summer with ADP was a rotational internship where I learned about the many branches of an international company. I learned new skills in management, marketing, finance and technological innovation. I also learned the importance and advantages of working in a team. I realized that I am interested in innovation, that nothing stays the same, and that creativity is key. I formed great bonds with the other SEEDS alumni who were part of this rotational program.

What skills did you learn during your internship that you've brought with you to Swarthmore?
I learned a lot about personal finance and personal loans, which is helpful. However, the most important thing that I learned was how creative minds are fostered to generate innovative ideas. No one wants to stay the same and be stagnant. It is those who push the limits, challenge processes and inspire visions who are considered leaders. I consider myself to be like that. Going into Swarthmore College, I was able find my own routine knowing that I am my own leader. I have also been pushed toward the sciences, specifically computer science, in combination with the arts. I have less fear and less anxiety about being in college because I know I am not distracted; I am just creative.

How did you find out about this internship? How did SEEDS prepare you for your time at ADP?
I found out about the internship through Johulin Zuluaga, a SEEDS Guidance officer. She encouraged me and helped me clean up my resume. SEEDS has actually been preparing me for this internship since the eighth grade. SEEDS has always told us about networking, putting your best foot forward, using interview strategies, and promoting self advocacy. I have been prepared for a long time. It's like SEEDS knew this was coming.

What are your goals for the future? How has SEEDS set you up to reach those goals?
My goals for the future consist of being happy and being very successful. SEEDS has already put me on an equal playing field where I would not have been if I had not gone through the Scholars Program. I feel energized and eager to take on the world because I know I have supporters, and SEEDS is one of the major ones.

What does NJ SEEDS mean to you?
NJ SEEDS is honestly my gem. I am so happy that I found it. SEEDS gave me my best friends, great mentors, and the best opportunity to attend the best high school. It has filled the achievement gap; it made me equal. SEEDS is justice for the students who have the ability to learn and grow but do not have the opportunity to do so. SEEDS gives us representation, opportunity, and justice.

SEEDS' Placement Team Prepares Scholars for Enrollment in Selective Schools and Colleges

For more than two decades, SEEDS has assisted students in furthering their educations. One of the most important pieces of this journey is placement in selective middle or high schools, or colleges and universities. Although the fall semester has just started, SEEDS' team is already hard at work, ensuring scholars and their families are prepared for the admissions process to selective schools or colleges that will take place over the next few months.

Scholars and Young Scholars have spent the last six weeks researching the various day and boarding schools that each student will consider. On September 12, nearly 100 selective schools from across the country attended SEEDS' Placement School Fair at Dwight-Englewood School. In addition to meeting representatives from the schools that came to recruit, scholars and their families participated in several workshops to prepare them for the next step of their journey.

To familiarize Scholars and their families with a range of options, they also had the opportunity to visit a boarding school campus, traveling to either Blair Academy or Westminster School in early September. Working closely with the SEEDS team to finalize their applications, Scholars and Young Scholars in the Class of 2016 will apply to nearly 120 schools throughout the country before the completion of admissions season.

Meanwhile, CPP seniors are in the process of applying to colleges and universities. Working closely with the SEEDS team and their SEEDS mentor, each student will apply to nine to 12 institutions. Seniors - along with CPP juniors - also have the opportunity to meet with college representatives each Saturday during class. Thanks to the representatives from the following schools who have come out to meet scholars so far this year: Allegheny College, Davidson College, Gettysburg College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Lehigh University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Rutgers University, University of Richmond, and Vassar College.