Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 5
From STEP to Barnard—Chantal Mota “Any questions, comments, concerns?” This is a phrase I heard constantly at the devoted and compassionate Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP ) at Barnard College. The beauty about STEP is that it shows that the students who join the program have made a choice. A choice to take a Saturday or a summer course and make it a learning, and more importantly, a growing experience. It confirms that all of us embrace scholarship. I was determined to join and remain in STEP because I wanted the upper hand. I wanted to make sure that when the time came, I would get to choose my college, my college wouldn’t choose me.
Eighth grade is when the cultivating adventure began. I was taught to do more and strive for more. Academically, I was now always prepared and ahead in class. I engaged in extracurricular activities such as chess and tennis, which I grew to love. The staff was always there for me and our relationships were enriching. I learned so much from all the instructors and they believed in me and brought out my potential. I was introduced to so many colleges and universities through trips and realized what I did and did not want from a school. I learned how to
write a good paper and how to sell myself in a supplement. Finally, STEP introduced me to Barnard. Walking the halls, exploring the campus, and listening in on classes, made me realize that this was my dream school. STEP gave me something to reach for. Through recommendations and assisting me throughout the application process with my essays or any questions I had, I was able to accomplish what I really wanted in life and was accepted into the school of my dreams. Continued of Page 6….
Miss Virgin Islands Continued… It was inspiring to be surrounded by women who worked so hard, especially since pageant contestants are not generally viewed as intellectuals or accomplished business women. MP: What made you look into the pageant? CD: Upon doing further research, I learned that the Miss America organization was a scholarship pageant that encourages young women to pursue higher education and be active in their communities through the implementation of personal platforms. MP: How would you describe your interactions with the contestants? CD: We had a lot of fun together! While we were in Las Vegas, we spent about a week and a half there before the competition making appearances at different venues and filming promotional footage for Miss America's sponsors. We ate at famous restaurants, hosted a fashion show for Express, and got to spend time in really beautiful hotels and casinos for filming. We really did get along well with
each other and I genuinely enjoyed my time in Las Vegas.
happy with the friends I've made and experiences I've had.
MP: How did you prepare for the competition? CD: There were five aspects of competition: Lifestyle and Fitness, Talent, Evening Wear, Interview, and the Onstage Questions. To prepare for lifestyle and fitness, I made an effort to monitor my portion sizes and exercise regularly, and for talent, I worked with a professor at the Manhattan School of Music on my piece. For Evening wear, I traveled to Louisville, Kentucky and met with Miss America 2000 Heather French-Henry who designed my competition gowns. I had an amazing time trying things on! And lastly to prepare for the interview portion I kept abreast of current affairs by watching the news daily and listening to the radio.
MP: Is there anything about your experience in the competition that you will bring back to Barnard? CD: I definitely have started to take makeup and hair more seriously and may start doing so professionally on campus. I did my own makeup throughout the competition, so if anyone is interested in makeup application they can contact me.
MP: Would you do the competition again? CD: Yes. But I am content with the way everything turned out this time. I love our current Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler (my end of the alphabet buddy!) and I'm
Camila Daniels Photo courtesy of Miss America