Being part of my school’s gifted and talented program has had a lasting impact on both my academic growth and personal development. Through opportunities like Future City, the Unsung Heroes Project, a creative writing project, and participation in National Junior Honor Society, I was able to challenge myself in new ways, build confidence, and develop skills that continue to shape my life.
One of the most influential experiences I had in our gifted and talented program was participating in Future City. This project required creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, as we designed and presented a model of a futuristic city. Future City had me scratching my head at times, giving me quite the challenge! It was different from the normal curriculum; having something to work on, plan out, and build felt very rewarding. During my time, I led the whole team through many hardships, and we ended up in 4th place. Though it may not have been the ranking I wanted, I knew everyone did their best, and it truly was an eye-opening experience. I hope other schools consider introducing students to Future City.
Another thing I participated in was the Unsung Heroes project. The project was about researching the life of an “unsung hero,” a person who made many efforts, but was never appreciated for it. Through this research, I discovered a craving to learn and share. It felt extremely gratifying to celebrate someone’s courage, knowing you can carry on someone’s memory. Unsung Heroes taught me not just research and writing skills, but expanded my knowledge beyond just that of a mindless robot; it introduced me to a world of unity and knowledge.
Additionally, I was one of the five students from my school who participated in a creative writing program this year with 100 other students from the state. I had an opportunity to work with real authors, explore creative writing techniques including word and character building, figurative language, playful forms, and idea development.
Besides that, I also became a part of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), where I did community volunteering, which played a meaningful role in my development. Volunteering is expected in this group, and it helped me understand the importance of giving back to my community and being responsible. The value NJHS gave me was priceless, allowing me to acquire skills I would not have been able to learn without the gifted and talented program. Additionally, this experience gave me something to look forward to after school – being able to hang out with friends and do meaningful work, which revealed to me how work and boredom don’t necessarily have to go hand in hand.
I thank the gifted and talented program for creating so many new opportunities for me and others. But it’s not just that. My dad always said, “An opportunity is nothing if you don’t reach for it,” and I think that is a very large part of life. Schools should make these opportunities approachable, friendly, and seem not just as opportunities for academics, but for life. Talent development is important!
- Daniel Guo, Guest Student Blogger, Glen Hills Middle School
