Chris Pan
On October 19, 2024, YES held its monthly meeting at the University Park Public Library, bringing together both new and returning members for a day of meaningful networking, engaging discussions, and a collaborative team-building exercise. The meeting kicked off with an informal networking session, allowing club officers to connect with new members, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all participants.
YES President Sally Wang officially opened the meeting with a welcoming address before passing the floor to Ella Tang, who introduced the day's speaker, John Guffey. Mr. Guffey, a distinguished Cornell University alumnus and seasoned Petroleum Engineer with extensive experience in Southeast Asia and North Africa, offered invaluable insights into the college admissions process. Drawing on his time at Cornell and interactions with Ivy League institutions, Mr. Guffey emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in admissions, where factors like extracurricular involvement, GPA, and standardized test scores all play a critical role. He encouraged students to make themselves stand out by pursuing distinctive academic paths and leveraging unique opportunities. Mr. Guffey advised exploring less competitive majors as a strategic advantage and highlighted how personal initiatives—such as gaining recognition in the local community—can significantly strengthen college applications. His practical advice and insider perspective on navigating the competitive admissions landscape resonated strongly with attendees.
Following Mr. Guffey’s address, members took part in a marshmallow tower-building challenge designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking. Divided into eight teams, participants were tasked with constructing the tallest tower using only spaghetti sticks and marshmallows within a limited timeframe. Each group then presented a brief pitch, explaining the design and purpose behind their structure. The atmosphere was lively, with teams eagerly collaborating and competing. The activity culminated with three club officers judging the towers based on height, creativity, and the quality of each group's presentation. The winning team was awarded a prize of candy, further adding to the day’s spirit of fun and friendly competition.
To conclude the meeting, Sally Wang outlined YES’s upcoming event, the Frisco 5k Walk, and shared a promotional video to encourage participation. Overall, the October meeting was yet another successful and engaging event, enriching members with both practical insights and opportunities for personal growth, while continuing to strengthen the bonds within the YES community.
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