At the start of summer, I went on a trip with CA to Spain. This trip was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Being immersed in the Spanish culture was amazing and being able to photograph the beauty of Spain was even better. Most of my summer was spent working at the CA summer camp. Over the course of six weeks, I worked roughly 40 hours a week Monday through Friday in arguably the best job that one could have as a teenager in the summer. The coworkers were great, the campers were great, and even the bosses were great! This was also a great job because it would still allow me to socialize and go out with friends in the afternoons and the weekends. Working at CA summer camp was amazing.

 

Working at CA Summer Camp made me realize that I could be responsible. Many people do not believe that today’s teenagers can be very responsible but when you and a coworker are put in charge of a group of 15 campers that are 6 years old, you realize that you really are responsible. When traveling to Spain I realized how lucky I am to be bilingual. Being able to navigate Spain without a problem because I was fluent in Spanish made it much easier to immerse myself into the culture and truly enjoy all of Spain.

 

There have been three very meaningful experiences in the past three summers. These experiences would include my trips to Iceland (summer between freshman and sophomore year), Rwanda (summer between sophomore and junior year), and Spain (this past summer). It had always been a dream of mine to travel across the sea and broaden my perspective of the world, and through CA trips, I was able to do that.

 

Due to traveling to different countries in my summers, I’ve realized how lucky I am to be getting the education that I am receiving at Colorado Academy so it has made me appreciate and try harder in school. Overall, it really broadened my perspective on the world and it made me realize that the world is very different from the community here in CA. Lorenzo Lopez

 

I spent the past summer working at a job/internship for CU Denver. We did

anything we could to help maintain and repair bridges around Denver. A lot of the work we’ve done recently involves Park Avenue by Coors Field, for example, painting rails and sealing concrete. I also increased my welding and fabrication skills with projects like making grappling hooks to remove debris from bridge pillars.

 

I learned that I really enjoy and appreciate challenging, physical work. I had to work towards putting differences aside and completing steps on time with coworkers. I didn’t expect to learn so much through seemingly menial tasks like painting and sweeping.

 

What has been your most meaningful summer experience in the past 3 years?

My most meaningful experience was probably working in the woods on a small, old bridge.

 

The university students there keep me inspired towards college. I’ve learned a lot in regards to working with different personalities. I have a more go-to, get-done attitude.