I’m Dominick Lee, I’m an incoming senior attending Segerstrom Fundamental Highschool, and I aspire to become an aerospace engineer. This month in our AISS summer program, there were multiple highlights and memorable moments. We’ve visited Samueli Academy every Monday, Chapman University every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, had guest speakers at Edwards Lifesciences on Fridays, and two field trips to California State University Long Beach, and Southern California Edison. At SCE in Irwindale, we experienced both the Energy Education Center and the Food Technology Center.

       Every Monday at Samueli Academy, Mr. Pollizzi gave us insight into basic electrical engineering, including a review on valence electrons which determine whether an atom is a conductor, insulator, or semiconductor. One component type which stood out to me was semiconductors. In transistors, semiconductors are responsible for computers and other devices which revolutionized human society.

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       My name is Mariana Ortega-Rodriguez, an alumna of AISS and Samueli Academy, Class of 2019. I'm an incoming senior at the University of California, San Diego, majoring in Applied Mathematics specifically studying probability and statistics. After receiving my bachelor of science degree in Applied Mathematics, I plan to work as a statistician in the surveying and research field such as administrative records or federal statistical data centers. In the future, I plan to attend graduate school to receive either a Masters or Ph.D. in education to eventually become a teacher or professor. 

       Outside of academic work, I am a math tutor within and outside of UCSD, tutoring everything from grade school math to multivariable calculus. In addition to being a math tutor, this is my third year being an alumni advisor for AISS, guiding and advising scholars through everything from the educational business plan to STEM projects.

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       My name is Alex Bryson, and I am an essay workshop facilitator and the Director of Online Operations for College Essay Guy. I hold a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and an MSW in Social Work from the University of Central Florida and have worked for CEG since 2018. I became involved with AISS by volunteering to hold a virtual college essay and application workshop for the scholars in 2020. The generous leadership at AISS sought a working relationship with College Essay Guy a few years ago, which has only grown since. 

       I believe that telling your unique story is a spiritually nourishing and life-affirming experience and that the college personal statement is the perfect stopping point for young people to assess what their values are and what they will bring to their college campuses.

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From all of us at AISS,
we hope you had a safe & healthy July,
and look forward to a great August as well! 
~Take Care