ELIZA HOPPER ’06
observing a full panoply of illnesses, including gunshot wounds and drug addictions. Kelso chose this internship because his father was a doctor, and he had an interest in pursuing medicine. He said that while he ultimately decided not to enter the field, he had a “fabulous” experience during his seminar. “It was sort of a first step toward the real world. It gave people an early perspective on what it would be like in college, where things were a bit freer,” Kelso said. “It was a way of giving us a mild taste of getting out and doing things on our own, and a nice stepping-off spot for what would happen after Episcopal. It was a nice way of ending on a high note.” The program has continued, and this year’s seniors will begin their seminars on May 4. To qualify for the program, a student must have a passing average in every course; show no significant drop-off in courses during the fourth quarter; and successfully complete the application process. Once they begin their seminar, they must work full time (35 hours per week) for the duration of the program. They can miss work for AP exams and varsity athletics, but are excused from all other afternoon athletics. Unauthorized absences can lead to being removed from the program. Each senior chooses a faculty member to mentor them during the program and keeps a journal detailing their experience. At the end of their seminar, they present a six to eight-page paper discussing what they learned through the program and explaining whether they met their goals for their internship. They must also present their paper orally to their faculty advisor and one other faculty member.
Students at Episcopal are interested in a wide variety of career fields, and their internship experiences reflect that. The Class of 2009 has chosen to intern in congressmen’s offices; at fire and police departments; in broadcasting studios; at community centers and health organizations; in art galleries; and even with a historic river boat tour company. Seniors also may work on pre-approved projects on campus, or even in Episcopal’s administrative offices. “The great thing about Senior Seminar is the sheer breadth of experiences it offers the students. For some, it may provide a spark of inspiration or a bit of practical affirmation regarding a possible career choice; for others, it’s an opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and do something a little bit different. Adjusting to an alien work environment with different norms and expectations is a great experience for them, and many gain confidence from being placed in positions of ‘real world’ responsibility,” said EHS faculty member Peter Goodnow, who oversees the Senior Seminar Program. “On the lighter (but still important) side, they learn some invaluable life lessons, e.g. – commuting can be a hassle, lunch isn’t cheap, and an eight-hour day can be pretty tiring!”
JESSE DAVIDSON ’04
CLARISSA CHENOWETH ’04
Students’ senior seminar experiences have had a lasting impact on their lives and future careers. Here, alumni share the stories of their seminars.
CALDWELL CLARKE ’97
EHS The Magazine of Episcopal High School
25