How did I get into internship?

I think I should share how I got into the STARS internship program because it was such an amazing journey, and I want to document every exciting detail!

First off, the application process was intense but so worth it. They asked for either an essay or a video, and I went for the video route. Why not show off my experiences visually, right? I spent hours putting it together, trying to capture everything that makes me, well, me. I talked about my passion for science and technology, my experience in robotics, and my dream of working on groundbreaking projects. I uploaded my two-minute masterpiece to YouTube and shared the link with them. Along with the video, I had to provide a ton of info about my class rank, SAT scores, GPA, and other standardized test scores. It felt like I was laying my whole academic life out on a platter.

The deadline for applications was mid-January, around the 15th or 16th. Once they had all the applications, they started the filtering process. This was basically a deep dive into our academics, extracurriculars, and awards. If your general stats looked good, you made it to the second phase, which was an interview. Getting that email about the interview felt like a major win!

The interviews were scheduled for mid-March, almost two months after we submitted our applications. When I got the email for my interview, I was both excited and nervous. I remember pacing around my room, trying to anticipate what they might ask. The interview itself was pretty chill, though. They asked about my research interests, why I wanted to join the internship, and some general science questions. They even threw in some random stuff like, “What’s the latest book you’ve read that impacted you?” It was kinda weird, but I guess they wanted to get a sense of our personalities.

After the interviews, they took another two or three weeks to go through all the notes and finalize their list of 50 selected interns. Those weeks were torture. I kept checking my email obsessively, hoping for some good news. When I finally got the email saying I was one of the 50, I was over the moon! I couldn't believe it. It felt like all my hard work had paid off, and I was one step closer to my dreams.

The best part? Each of us got a little student feature posted on their social media. It was super cool seeing my face and story out there, and it made the whole experience feel even more special. My friends and family were so proud, and I felt like I was on top of the world.

Reflecting on the whole process, I realize how much I grew just by going through it. It wasn't just about getting accepted; it was about pushing myself, facing my fears, and putting myself out there. I learned a lot about perseverance and the importance of showcasing who you are and what you're passionate about.

Now that I’m in, I can’t wait to dive into the program and make the most of this incredible opportunity. The journey has just begun, and I’m ready for whatever comes next. The STARS program is known for its rigorous and enriching experience, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. I know it's going to be challenging, but that's what makes it exciting. I’m eager to learn, grow, and contribute to some fascinating research.

So, that’s the gist of how I got into the STARS program. The whole process was nerve-wracking but totally worth it. I’m stoked for the next steps and can’t wait to share more about my first week in the next entry! Stay tuned because this adventure is just getting started!