Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2011 - (Page 36)

ScIeNce NurturiNG A PAssioN for A At tHE NAtioNAL YoutH sCiENCE CAMP by Kathleen Wu t some point, each of us has probably wished that life had an undo button. Alas, it does not. So when Dr. D. B. Nguyen, who goes by the name of Zoon, introduced his lecture entitled “Transmission of Digital Information into the Past,” I was skeptical. After all, how could we send information back in time? But as Zoon talked about the possibilities and paradoxes of the problem, I found myself riveted. Glancing around the room, I could tell that the other 116 students in the hall felt the same way. of information, but I came to appreciate the peace of mind that came with not worrying about what tomorrow would bring. In any case, most days had a predictable structure: two lectures, a small-group Directed Study, and a seminar. The latter were recreational in nature, and included such topics as Piano 101, How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube, and Making a Spectroscope. Any free time was consumed by Frisbee circles, massage chains, and general lounging around. But it was the lectures and Directed Studies that got—and held—my attention. Allow me to explain how I came to be sitting in that lecture. The spring of my senior year, at the encouragement of my chemistry teacher, I applied to the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC). This three-week program, held annually in the mountains of West Virginia, introduces academically talented seniors to challenging issues and encourages their passion and interest in science. Only two delegates from each state and 17 international delegates are chosen, so I was shocked and excited when I learned that I had been selected. When I arrived in West Virginia, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had read online that the philosophy of NYSC was to take one day at a time. Accordingly, daily schedules were posted the night before. Initially I was puzzled and frustrated by the lack Bewildered, Fascinated, Impressed Each lecture posed questions and raised issues I had never seriously considered. One, “Food Additives and the Lunacy istoCk 36 imagine Nov/Dec 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2011

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2011
Big Questions
In My Own Words
Latin Geek
Latin in Rome
Made in Greece ... or Was It?
Classics for All
Pillaging the Past
The Aqueduct Hunters
What’s Old is News
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Girls on Ice
Nurturing a Passion for Science at the National Youth Science Camp
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Game

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2011