Queens College Trip Reflection

    On Thursday, November 5, the visual design family including a few juniors, went on an exciting trip to Queens College for a STEM presentation. We didn't really know what to expect from a casual event but we knew we had to show the best traits of ourselves to represent Info Tech and us as students in general. We went in public transportation and it was my second time visiting. We went into a large building at first, as Mrs. Ramirez directed us, and ended up getting lost since we didn't find the ballroom on the 3rd floor. We left that building and had to go another one named 'Student Union,' where the event actually took place on the 4th floor. There were 3 elevators and the class total was 30+, so we had to split into groups using the elevator. The first two groups going up the elevator were fine, but the last third group (MY GROUP!), got stuck in the elevator on the 2nd floor! I honestly found it crazy but surprising because I would have never seen something like that happening. It was really hot and stuffy inside the elevator and I really couldn't stand being around 5+ sweaty people! I felt trapped in a corner but at the same time I wasn't worried about us being stuck. During the time that we were stuck, people from my school were cracking jokes, saying silly things which helped pass time. Soon, Mrs. Ramirez called for help and we were rescued at the second floor. I was most certainly glad because I was getting a huge headache since it was getting really warm. Afterwards, we got to the designated floor which was the 4th floor and were soon on line to get our name tags. Getting to the exact location was a struggle, but it was fun going on a mini adventure with my classmates.
   Once we got our name tags, we stepped to the side where they would escort us to our indicated tables. We each got a raffle ticket for the giveaways the sponsors were giving which were Google Nexus phones. I really wished I could've won one but I didn't even though there were three chances to get one. So, once we sat at our tables, more schools were coming in and there was very few time left for the event to officially start. I sat next to most of the guidance counselors and 4 other guys that I didn't really speak to. At the beginning of the event, a host came to greet us and explain to us why we were there, what it meant & what it was for. Afterwards, two captains were introduced to us and we got to know what they do for a living. They explained with such enthusiasm on how being a part of the Army and STEM programs have helped them grow into the person they are and what it really meant to them. It was great listening to inspiring words from elders who knew what they were talking about and the true feeling they feel towards the topic. Soon, one took the spotlight and mic and asked many questions that had thorough answers to them. He made us elaborate on what the definition of specific terms meant to him and us. He was very unexpected as well, since in the beginning he made us do a push-up each! I thought it was a crazy remark, but it was fun to do. Afterwards, we had lunch, ate a bit, and got the panel presentation. There were 4 really important & intellectual people in front of the whole room, on a stage. They went from one by one, asking each one a question which made them think and answer in a delicate manner. It took a while since each response was pretty long but detailed. It was really interesting hearing what each had to say. At the end, we took pictures as a group/school and the Army officers were giving away bags, pens, frisbees, etc to people who didn't get any during the event. It was so much fun being outside with my classmates. I was able to talk to them more then usual and get to know a bit more profound! There wasn't anything I didn't really like from this trip, a lot of the material and intel given during this event will soon become of use to me in the near future.