For many students, school is the last place they’d like to be during summer.
But it’s better when the school is Harvard University, as experienced by Clarkston High School junior Maggie Schroeder.
Schroeder, 16, participated in Harvard’s Secondary School Program, June 22-Aug. 8, living in a dorm and taking college-level classes.
‘It was everything I thought it would be and more, in so many ways,? she said. ‘People were so open to new ways to learn. There were so many kids from all over the world.?
‘It’s great for her to have that level of experience,? said Andrea Schroeder, her mother.
Maggie earned eight college credits, taking History and Practice of American Music and Theater, and Adolescent Literature.
‘I’m really passionate about musical theater,? she said. ‘There’s a lot to learn in those areas. They would mesh singers with acting and actors with singing, to make a better singing actor.?
In literature, they studied Philip Pullman’s ‘Dark Materials,? J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter,? and other works.
‘We looked at the craft,? she said. ‘It was really interesting. Harry Potter’s story starts at beginning of adolescence ? it’s easy to connect with for everyone.?
The high school students studied alongside undergrad and graduate-level college students.
‘Older students bring higher level thinking,? she said. ‘Talking to a grad student, she said she really enjoyed what we had to say.?
She and her family vacationed in Boston, Mass., last year, visiting Harvard for a tour.
‘It’s one of the most diverse campuses I’ve ever seen, so cool,? Maggie said.
The university provided information on the Secondary School Program, and she applied.
‘I learned a lot,? she said. ‘I’m glad I took it. I really enjoyed the independence. I stayed in an awesome dorm.?
Clarkston Foundation helped defray expenses with a $700 scholarship.
‘I’m incredibly grateful to the Clarkston Foundation,? said Maggie, who wrote an essay explaining her goals in life as part of her scholarship application. ‘It’s an experience I’ll never forget.?
‘We love them ? we’ve supported the foundation for years,? Andrea said. ‘It’s a great organization, giving kids unique opportunities in art, science, and technology programs.?
Harvard is on Maggie’s short list after graduating high school, along with Yale.
‘Yale is cool, too,? she said.
She has been in school plays and musicals since middle school, performing with Clarkston High School’s Drama Club and Birmingham’s Project Day Dream community theater.
‘I love singing and acting ? I want to keep it part of my life, through education, community theater, something,? she said.
She is also in the first International Baccalaureate class at the high school.
‘It offers a different way of thinking that’s interesting to me,? she said. ‘I like the philosophy it’s built on, and its advanced, complete curriculum.?
She is looking into a career in science, such as marine biology or veterinary medicine.
‘I audited some really cool classes (at Harvard),? she said. ‘One was biomedical ethics.?