The Senior Experience at GSSM
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - 10:19am
At the end of the summer I couldn’t believe I was about to be a senior in high school. Well, any shock or disbelief has definitely been dispelled as things got underway for Round 2 at GSSM! Life as a senior at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Math includes everything I loved about the GSSM experience last year (the like-minded students, conducive study environment, and rigorous coursework), with a few added extras. From new senior privileges, to additional leadership responsibilities, this year is certain to bring even more opportunities than ever!
Over the summer, I had the amazing opportunity to conduct my research as a part in GSSM’s Research Experience Scholars Program, which included 7 weeks of oncology research at the DKFZ in Heidelberg – all expenses paid. Now I’m busy working closely with my research advisor here on campus to write a formal research paper on my findings, and preparing to present at the annual GSSM Colloquium. Besides research, a senior year schedule here at GSSM allows me to take specialized biology courses like Molecular Microbiology, and even to write up a new course in Evolutionary Psychology, with a member of the GSSM faculty!
Senior year also entails filling out college applications. As stressful and frustrating as all the paperwork and acronyms can be, it’s made a lot easier by the GSSM college guidance staff. It’s pretty exciting to see all aspects of my experience here, from homework and essays to leadership and athletics, come together in one application. No matter how much I plan for my future, wherever I may go, I’m sure I’ll enjoy my final year as a govie, and make this senior year one to remember.
Tobias Holden is a senior at SCGSSM, an RESP Scholar, Captain of the Swim Team and Student Council Moderator/President.