Breakthrough Teacher Shout Out!

Breakthrough Miami teacher Zoe Witzeling talks about what she learned through her experience with us. Check it out!

A Trip to Remember

This year, a group of highly motivated and deserving Breakthrough Scholars traveled to Boston, MA for a hands-on and first-hand look at some of the country’s best institutions. We took 20 Breakthrough students to Boston during the Miami-Dade Spring Break week to develop their interest in the variety of schools found in Boston, which is a micro-representation of the schools found across the country.

While our experience was highlighted by the cold weather and constant riding on the Train System, the students had the once in a lifetime opportunities to sit with admissions officers from the following schools: Boston College, Emerson, Boston University, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts Boston, Harvard University, and Northeastern University. Along with the in depth conversations with the admissions officers, our Breakthrough Students had the chance to tour all the campuses to get a hands on experience at the schools.

Furthermore to enhance the Boston experience and the experience of traveling a major city we visited many parts of Boston, including Faneuil Hall, the Freedom trail, the TD center, Harvard square, Fenway Park, and Arts for Humanity (A non-profit youth art organization). The students were fully immersed in Boston culture for a full week, including being in Downtown Boston during St. Patrick’s Day!

Our students have been in Breakthrough Miami, mostly, since 2006 and 2007. They are comprised of current juniors and sophomores. They are highly motivated and in college preparatory tracks. Here is a first hand account of the trip through two of our students:

"On the college trip to Boston, I was exposed to things I never seen before. My colleague’s and I enjoyed ourselves as we explored the beautiful city of Boston, Massachusetts. The whole trip for me was an amazing experience because mostly everything that happened was a first for me. It was my first time on a plane, my first time in Boston, and my first time seeing colleges out of the state of Florida.

We had a chance to see Harvard University, Boston College, Boston University, Tufts University, Emerson College, University of Massachusetts, and Northeastern University. I learned a lot from the admissions officers from the different schools. I will take in to consideration all of the advice that they gave me while filling out my college applications."

-Keane Carter-Reaves, Young Men’s Preparatory Academy, 16

"One word for Boston is amazing. You can learn so much by just looking at the buildings and the surroundings. Traveling through the town of Medfordgave me a great all around experience of what life would be like in Boston. And the colleges are extraordinary. The college tours were amazing. They gave us a tour of some of the most prestigious schools and their amazing campuses. My personal favorite was Boston College. The campus gave us insightful information, such as one of the halls was being designed to resemble characters from the Wizard of Oz. I was amazed by the Catholic designed buildings… everything! Also, the Tufts University tour was amazing. The uphill campus is beautiful-- you get an amazing view of downtown Boston. I also really enjoyed all of our tour guides. They gave us much needed information that we could greatly benefit from."

-Jared Allen, Hialeah Senior High School, 15

Breakthrough Scholars Set Sail with Sea Club

Breakthrough scholars set sail with the Ransom Everglades Sea Club. Scholars spend a wonderful afternoon out on the Bay with picturesque blue skies washed in warm golden rays of crisp sunlight. Once every scholar and SEA club member is outfitted in a helmet and life jacket, divided into several groups, students board 6 rakish sailboats. Captain Medina flails sailing terminology towards the SEA club members in one word sentences. Quickly, the small fleet of sailboats deploy in a southeastern direction. SEA Club members operate the small crafts dutifully, as Breakthrough scholars take in the ambiance at sea. The bay lays still like a large opaque mirror; an expansive frozen plain, sailboats skiing in unison. The scene is crowned with a cloudless sky. Cool and crisp winds propel sailboats swiftly across waters, every breathe colored by the smell of salt waters. Once all 6 sailboats establish smooth sail, Breakthrough scholars take turns at the tiller. Their bright smiles rival the golden cascade on the sails. Moved by the elements, at this moment they are free and one with nature.

The SEA Club has committed 5 to 6 days to Breakthrough Scholars for the remainder of the school year. For a fairly young group of Ransom students this group embodies admirable qualities. They are passionate about their work as a club and deliver services with enthusiasm. Our Breakthrough scholars are fortunate to work with such fine young people.

By Webber J Charles