irvine_mackenzieDear Contributor,

Thank you so much for everything you have done to give me, as well as my fellow delegates, this life-changing opportunity. Because of the National Youth Science Camp I have stepped far beyond my comfort zone in countless ways. I have delved into topics that before camp I would have thought to boring, like fractals and the physics of light, and have left camp utterly fascinated by them. In topics I have always been intrigued by, like chemistry and biology, I have found my knowledge to have expanded exponentially. Not only my knowledge, but my passion for science has grown far more than I ever imagined it could. Because of the National Youth Science Camp I now know there are things I am capable of that will have an impact the world, and I hope with all my heart to accomplish that.

Besides teaching me about science, the National Youth Science Camp has also opened my eyes to how much of an adventure life can be. All my life I have called a small suburb in Nebraska home, and for the most part I was left unexposed to the great outdoors and everything it had to offer. At camp I was bombarded with numerous opportunities to experience nature in its entire splendor. Thanks to the National Youth Science Camp I can now boast about how I once picked wild blueberries on a scenic hillside, hiked uphill for miles at a time through dense woods, cooked stew over an open flame, listened eagerly to a live concert in a cave, and found my way through a maze of rocks on top of a mountain. I am proud to say that I have taken away from camp a passionate sense of adventure and eager goal to live each day of my life to the fullest.

The most important things I have taken from camp though are all of the relationships and connections I have made as a result of the National Youth Science Camp. I have made friends in my three and half weeks at camp that I feel closer to then many of my high school friends, and I can confidently say that these are people I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. The delegates, staph members, lecturers, and guests that I was blessed to meet this summer are the most interesting and open people I have ever encountered.

Without your generous contributions I would not have been able to experience the National Youth Science Camp. I would have never have been given the opportunity to open my mind to so many new ideas, my eyes to the world, and most importantly my heart to the most amazing people I have ever met. Thank you so much for all that you have done for past delegates, all you have done for me, and all I am sure you will do for future delegates. Words cannot adequately express how grateful I am for this beautiful opportunity. Thank you so much, with the most sincerity I have ever given a “thank you” before.

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Irvine, NE 2011