Being selected as one of only five students to represent the Virginia Region at the 63d National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) was both an honor and an incredible opportunity. With 245 finalists gathered from across the country, I knew I was stepping into something much bigger than myself.
The event took place at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia—just a short drive from my home. At first, I thought about commuting each day, but I quickly realized that staying at the hotel would let me truly be part of the experience. Living among the other students, sharing meals, and engaging in late-night conversations about science, research, and even everyday life made the symposium unforgettable.
Not everything went as planned. I had an asthma attack earlier in the day, and it affected my presentation more than I wanted. At the time, I felt disappointed. But as the days went on, I realized that JSHS wasn’t only about the performance on stage. It was about the chance to learn from brilliant peers, to hear the stories behind their projects, and to receive thoughtful feedback from judges who genuinely cared about encouraging young scientists.
Looking back, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Even though my presentation didn’t go perfectly, I walked away with something more valuable—lessons in resilience, inspiration from others, and the confidence that I belong in a community of curious and passionate minds.
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