After a 6 month HSAPbatical...*

It started with a pile of 100 rainbow colored folders sitting behind my desk in a cardboard box.  

In the past, the High School Apprenticeship Program began for me in July when, as a Department mentor for Communications, I worked with high school students who had been attending after-school seminars at the Museum since February. Now, as a Museum Educator co-managing the program, I would be involved with the program from day one, including choosing the 15 students who would become Apprentices: hence the folders. Each one contained a basic application, a teacher recommendation, and not one, not two, but seven essays. For the mathematically challenged, that’s 100 applications, 100 letters, and 700 essays to read. Though daunting, it became apparent early on that this would not be a tedious task—applicants’ essays were filled with passion, curiosity, insight, and depth. What also became apparent was just how difficult this decision was going to be. How do you begin to choose among such incredible candidates?

After several rounds of reading and interviews, the HSAP class of 2010 emerged. I am beyond thrilled at the eclectic, talented, creative, brilliant, and enthusiastic group we have assembled. They come from all five boroughs and have varied interests, cultural backgrounds, and strengths. They bring a multitude of life experiences. Some students are artists, others sporty. Some have travelled far and wide while others tend to keep it local. Some were born and raised in New York and some are new immigrants who have made the city their home. What is most important, however, is something they all have in common: a desire to learn from the Museum and each other and a willingness to share their own ideas. Their commitment to social justice and Holocaust remembrance is both palpable and powerful.

The snowstorm two weeks ago delayed their first meeting, but they met for their first after-school seminar yesterday. Most of them were introduced for the first time. A few observations about this intrepid bunch—they ask a lot of questions (a great sign), they didn’t finish the copious amounts of pizza we ordered (a bad sign--we’ve mentioned before, we’re eaters here, but I guess it’s nothing we can’t work on), and they were enthralled by the Voices of Liberty in the Keeping History Center.  It will be truly wonderful to see how these 15 will form a cohesive and tight-knit group over the next several months. Stay tuned.

*Many thanks to Abby for coining this term...