COSLI March Newsletter
The COSLI newsletter is written and edited by students on the COSLI Student Advisory Board.
Enjoy student updates, perspectives, events, and opportunities.
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Letter from the Student Advisory Board President
Dear Friends of COSLI,
This week, I, like many of you, have been closely observing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I sit and watch while innocents are killed, displaced, and stripped of homes they have had for generations. At the hands of one dictator, an entire world must by and large suffer with economic ripples impacting millions here at home. Fear of nuclear warfare, exponentially rising inflation, and questions about the purpose of international treaty organizations have ravaged the world we live in today. Compromise and unity are at the end of the tunnel, yet it seems so distant due to the power-hungry elitists and greed of our societies. The invasion of Ukraine is likely to persist through the coming year, and many questions have emerged. What does international partnership look like in 10 years? Is nuclear warfare on the horizon? How can we work to prevent a global catastrophe? It is imperative to find the answer to these questions, and it must be done soon, with the fate of millions held in the hands of the world superpowers. In understanding the Ukrainian crisis, it is important to recognize the injustices and war crimes happening everywhere if we wish to eliminate all crimes against humanity.
Being a Palestinian myself, I have witnessed and experienced first-hand the hypocrisy of particular groups and how they use a narrative to justify the unjust treatment of others. I wholeheartedly understand just how difficult it can be to see your home stripped, family hurt, and tradition shadowed under Western stereotypes and political propaganda. The goal is lofty, but it is our responsibility to ensure the threat to democracy and the killing of innocent people for political gain is put to an end.
Thank you and all the best,
Mohamed Ibrahim
Wiggins High School
COSLI Class of 2019
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Letter from the Founding Executive Director
Friends of COSLI is proud to be a Project of the Rose Community Foundation
This month it is hard to think or focus on anything other than the horrific war being waged, unprovoked, on Ukraine. We are seeing rallies across the globe--and across our state. Seas of blue and yellow have overtaken social media. In my own home, vases are overflowing with Sunflowers. I've purchased digital art from Etsy by Ukrainian artists. Like others I have booked phantom Airbnb rooms. And with all of that, I--we--feel like we still aren't doing enough.
We've heard it over and over--how could this be happening in the 21st century? A portion of my life was spent in The Cold War. I was there when the Berlin Wall fell. I was there within a year after the miracle of the Czech Republic. How do we, as a global world, make this right? It was heartening to see interview after interview of folks who said they were willing to bear the cost of growing gas prices. To see Russian people say this is bad, unjustified. What's next?
What do we push our government representatives to do? Here's what gives me just a tiny bit of peace--COSLI students want to talk about it. They want to know. They want to solve. That's what COSLI is about. Creating these minds who think beyond. So proud am I, while at the same time so disheartened that they are having to see the images of dead families on the streets in Ukraine. I was a very tiny child at the end of Vietnam, but as I studied the history, those images playing during the news my parents watched were conjured up by the images in Ukraine.
In the words of the president of Ukraine--who has emerged as a voice of the 21st century, and of the grace that should be defining it:
Here's to meaningful peace. Here, in Ukraine, for the children, for the seniors--for all.
Celeste
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Lessons Learned: Jamie Van Leeuwen
By Skyla Rogers
Jamie Van Leeuwen has always thought it important to emphasize community. Going from an aspiring youth in Denver to the founder of the Global Livingston Institute, Van Leeuwen has learned a lot over the past several years. Van Leeuwen aspires to make communities build themselves, because he believes that the only way to improve is for the people to decide what needs to be changed.
After Van Leeuwen graduated high school in Denver, he went to Tulane University. At first, Van Leeuwen “decided to go into international health and public health.” However, in his words, “I got to do my first trip to Africa and originally wanted to do HIV work. I really enjoyed Africa and realized that I liked the street kids and went back to Denver to work with youth homelessness.” Van Leeuwen’s “light bulb” moment was an interview with young people who were addicted to heroin. As Van Leeuwen recalls, “There was an African American boy who was falling asleep at the table during the interview. The amount of dope he was using was so much but he was such a beautiful and amazing kid.” He goes on to say, “It’s not about how smart you are, but it's about what community you are born into and what resources you have and don’t have access to. Everyone should have an equal playing field.”
This experience led Van Leeuwen to fight for community equality and improvement, where he encourages everyone to step up and voice their opinions and make what change they need to make their lives better. Van Leeuwen wanted to help sponsor the Urban Peak homeless youth community. As he expressed, “Urban Peak started in 1994 and started raising awareness that some kids don’t have a place to go.” Van Leeuwen is also the founding director for Denver’s Road Home plan to end homelessness for adults and youth. Van Leeuwen stated, “This program decreased homelessness, especially for veterans and older folks. We have housed about 65% of what were homeless citizens and the goal was to intentionally create resources for the homeless too.” By doing that, there have been hundreds housed with good services and a supportive community.
Van Leeuwen believes COSLI is the perfect place for youth to connect with a wide range of students and backgrounds. When Van Leeuwen was asked why he supports COSLI, he said, “It is all about equity in youth. Investing in youth and opening up the playing field creates opportunities for everyone. COSLI gives them a network to work with, mentors, and a better chance of succeeding and engaging in their community. COSLI turbo-boosts the youth to do more of that and engages more young people in more service opportunities.” He wants the students to know that, “You are the ones we need … to lead.” Van Leeuwen thinks that COSLI is creating awareness towards social problems, especially homelessness. He also believes that COSLI helps Denver’s youth to handle challenging decisions and situations. Overall, he stands with the fact that COSLI is here to help students learn how to help their community.
As Van Leeuwen makes a positive impact on COSLI, students continue to learn and engage during the school year in between summer sessions. Van Leeuwen’s emphasis on engagement and the importance of relationships has helped shape COSLI to how it is now. Van Leeuwen finished with a powerful statement: “No good leaders did it by themselves, no good leaders did anything without others being a part of that. It happens with more understanding, using your resources, and surrounding yourself with good people.”
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COSLI Alumni Testifies on HB22-1064
COSLI alumni Allison Thomas recently testified on HB22-1064 preventing the sale of flavored tobacco products. Read her take below.
By Allison Thomas
Flavored tobacco products have grown in popularity nationwide, especially as the industry continues to develop its marketing to target young people. Colorado Representatives Mullica and Bacon and Senators Priola and Fields are sponsoring House Bill 1064, an attempt to prevent these harmful products from seizing the state’s youth. A similar bill was initially taken to Denver’s Mayor Hancock, but the Mayor vetoed the bill because he believed it needed to be statewide in order to be effective.
Whether you’ve witnessed the widespread use of flavored tobacco products amongst Colorado’s youth or not, it is statistically evident. In Colorado, while only 12.4% of adults smoke, 25.9% of high school students use e-cigarettes and 5.7% use cigarettes. Every day, about 1,400 Coloradoan kids pick up the habit of daily smoking. Additionally, 63.2% of students claim they have easy access to e-cigarettes and 52.3% to cigarettes. Based on current records, about 91,000 kids are predicted to die smoking-related deaths. HB-1064 aims to lower this prediction by implementing preventative measures now.
Flavored tobacco products are the main reason for these high percentages; 85% of high school e-cigarette smokers use flavored products. Menthol cigarettes, a flavor that softens the severity of tobacco, are currently used by about half of high school smokers and are responsible for half of high school smokers’ first use of a tobacco product. Flavored tobacco products cause their damage to be masked, and thousands fall victim yearly as a result. HB22-1064 would prohibit the advertisement of products with a flavor or smell other than that of tobacco. The bill also focuses on the sale to minors in particular and upholds the same penalties.
Aside from the prohibition mentioned above, HB22-1064 would implement a grant program to assist disproportionately affected communities. Predominantly Black and Hispanic communities and low-income communities are unequally targeted by tobacco marketing, so HB22-1064 would award 2-year grants to applicants who can prove effective service in these communities. From the general fund, $10 million would be directed to this grant program.
Colorado’s youth is suffering at the hands of flavored tobacco products, and without intervention, the trends are likely to continue. House Bill 1064 would begin the progress needed to save the state’s youth from harmful marketing of tobacco products. If you would like to help pass this bill, write to your representatives with your experience and encourage them to vote for HB22-1064 or contact Lindsay Neil (lindsay.r.neil@gmail.com) to testify at the State Capitol.
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Student Features
by Ava Warren
Mo Dominguez (2020) was invited to be a part of Colorado State University’s Honors Program, with a B.A. Dance Major.
Angelica Ochoa (2015) was a beautiful bride on February 27. Best wishes to her and congratulations to her wonderful new husband.
Rowan Ehn (2020) was accepted into Northeastern University’s N.U.in program for first semester freshman year and will be traveling abroad to Madrid in the fall semester!
Laith Ibrahim (2020) received his second state title at Colorado’s State tournament for wrestling.
Naomi Lyle (2016) was awarded the 2021 Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry at Metropolitan State University.
Grace Schulte (2020) has been accepted into Brigham Young University with a full-ride merit tuition scholarship.
Sara Taketatsu (2014) has been admitted to Harvard Law School – congratulations on this dream being realized!
Chelsea Hernandez (2014) was nominated for the 2021 Trailblazer Award! She is a producer with Seattle TV Station, KING5.
Excited to announce this year’s alumni who have been selected to serve as Resident Assistants for 2022: LaMar Philmon (2018), Samuel Pausback (2019), Isabella McCarty (2018), Sofia Garcia (2017), Emma Davis (2019), Mckenzie Woodhead (2020), Allison Thomas (2020), and Grace Schulte (2020)
We are so proud of our COSLI alumni! Contact Ava Warren (warrenav@s.dcsdk12.org) with college acceptances as they start rolling in and any other cool projects or successes!
Colorado History
What else happened in February?
by Riley Cooper
March 1, 1963: Dr. Thomas Starzl performs the world’s first liver transplant at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver!
March 15, 1968: Construction begins on the Eisenhower Tunnel.
March 15, 2008: Lindsey Vonn of Colorado wins the International Ski Federation Women’s World Cup!
March 5, 2020: A Summit County tourist becomes the first person in Colorado to test positive for COVID-19.
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COSLI 2022 APPLICATION NOW OPEN!
The 2022 COSLI application is now open!
Apply here!
Application open: October 1, 2021 to April 30, 2002 (extended!)
Admissions Decisions: Rolling Admissions
2022 Program: July 10-August 6, 2022 |
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Alumni Feature: Yael Vargas
By Knox Leonard and Anjana Radha
Yael Sanchez Vargas is an alumni from the COSLI class of 2018, where he was heavily influenced by the numerous opportunities of the program. He was initially attracted to the diversity of students in the program, many of whom he formed incredible friendships with. Vargas loves meeting new people, and COSLI taught him how to be mindful of those around him. As he says, “Oftentimes, the most amazing people are, many times, in front of us and we do not notice because we are too busy in our own world.” His favorite memory of COSLI was when he and his friends rented out bikes and rode them until everyone was exhausted.
Currently, Vargas is attending Metropolitan State University in Denver pursuing a major in Media Production and Leadership with a minor in Digital Media and an emphasis on Motion Media. Despite his true passion and his contentment in his current major, he began college pursuing an electrical engineering degree, believing that the STEM field was the only way he could make money. Vargas later realized, “What you want to study has no less worth than what other people are studying as long as you like what you are doing.” He began embracing his passions and was recently named Vice President of MSU’s Digital Media Club, where he makes connections with the skills he learned at COSLI. Working as a freelance photographer now, Vargas’ goal is to own a respected photography company. He is also working on a project that he hopes will motivate other people to just do what they have always wanted to do.
Vargas tells future COSLI students that they should take the risk and do what they truly want to do. He reminds all of us to not let the “what-ifs” get in the way of pursuing passion. It’s important to stay persistent and determined even when times get tough, and to not forget about your goals. Using his own story as his testimony, Vargas wants everyone to remember that ambition and drive can push you through anything.
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Opportunities & Events March 2022
By Mo Dominguez
The National Scholarship is available to eligible high school juniors in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. 106 $25,000 scholarships are awarded each year to students who exhibit integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. National Scholars receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. during the spring of their senior year to participate in the National Scholars Conference. The application closes on March 15, 2022. More information and application here.
Women in the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame student-written biographies: This opportunity is for any student doing an NHDC project. Students can sign up and will receive $25 for each biography completed. After you sign up, a NHDC student board member will email you to confirm your signup. Signup here.
The 350 Colorado Youth Action Committee is a committee for the 350 Colorado climate organization dedicated to promoting youth activism and interest in climate action. The committee is run by youth for youth. The youth action committee is for any youth living inside or outside of Colorado who has interest in having a say in the future of climate action or wants to be involved in climate action and climate strikes. More information on the Youth Action Committee and 350 Colorado here. Join the committee here.
The TBK Scholars Program awards a $1,000 scholarship to fifteen hardworking students who qualify as low to moderate income according to standards set forth by the Community Reinvestment Act. Students living in a community served by TBK Bank and demonstrating financial need are encouraged to apply. Students have the opportunity to apply beginning Monday, February 14 and ending at the close of business on Wednesday, April 15. More information here.
Denver Mayor’s Youth Council provides Denver youth with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and advise the director of the Office of Children's Affairs on issues impacting youth in Denver. Youth commissioners work together with adult commissioners to make adjustments to goals, citywide programs, and procedures, as well as to ensure equal rights are maintained in legislative action. Applications are open, and interviews will be held in April 2022. More information here.
The Colorado Young Leaders Program is for high school students wanting to be involved with their community. The program provides the framework to help students get involved and find what they want to do. CYL students want to learn more about the world around them, discover their own gifts, and make a real impact. More information here, and register here.
The Medical Career (MC²) Collaborative Program at Children's Hospital Colorado and Denver Health is a high school internship program for juniors and seniors interested in the medical field. The two-year program propels high school students toward careers in healthcare through hands-on experiences and professional development opportunities at Children's Hospital Colorado and Denver Health. More information and application here.
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a two-week virtual program that teaches 10-12th grade girls and non-binary students the computer science skills they need to prepare for a career in tech. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, meet women in tech careers, and join a supportive sisterhood of girls in tech. Applications are closed, but the program will still be accepting applications to be added to the waitlist. More info here.
The Emory Pre-College Program is a summer academic program for high school students. It gives current sophomores and juniors an exciting glimpse of academic and residential life at a top-ranked national university. Students can take college credit or noncredit courses online for a two-week session. There are three sessions, two in person and one online. Applications are open and close April 10. More information here.
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COSLI Reads & Listens
Need book recommendations? Here’s a list of what the COSLI alumni are reading — take a look, you might find one you like!
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (fantasy)
The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan (fiction)
The Rose Legacy by Jessica Day George (fantasy)
Read This To Get Smarter by Blair Imani (nonfiction)
When You Ask Me Where I’m Going by Jasmine Kaur (poetry)
Splendid Solution by Jeffrey Kluger (history)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (fiction)
Again, But Better by Christine Riccio (fiction)
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek (nonfiction)
The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga (fiction)
Need podcast and music recommendations? Our COSLI alumni have lots of music and podcast recommendations that they enjoy. See what your COSLI alumni have been listening to!
Behind the Bastards - podcast
How To Save A Planet - podcast
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark - podcast
Poetry Unbound - podcast
Revisionist History - podcast
Very Really Good - podcast
YIKES - podcast
The Album - album by Blackpink
The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE - album by TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Give Me A Minute - album by Lizzie McAlpine
Lover - album by Taylor Swift
Revolution Radio - album by Green Day
Stranger In The Alps - album by Phoebe Bridgers
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COSLI Featured in Jeffco Gifted and Talented Gazette
The COSLI program was recently featured in the February issues of the Jeffco Gifted and Talented Gazette. Read the entire feature here, on page 7.
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COSLI Birthdays!
by Riley Cooper
Happy Birthday to our COSLI Alumni! May your day be full of smiles!
Love, your COSLI Family.
Leticia Agatti - 3/2
Laura Pulido - 3/3
Fabian Delgado - 3/5
Ra’nya Marcanno - 3/6
Fareed Ahamad - 3/7
Izabelle Brophy - 3/7
Vivian Bear - 3/8
Ge’Swan Swanson - 3/9
Isabel Rodriguez Favela - 3/10
Amanda Perlman - 3/10
Jacob Brown - 3/12
Abigal Admase - 3/13
Elizabeth Felix - 3/15
Archer Goodman - 3/17
Miranda Hall - 3/18
Jillian Lucero - 3/21
Chloe Bowlby - 3/24
Michelle Cortes - 3/25
Keshav Nambiar - 3/25
Ava Warren - 3/26
Samara Kincheloe-Owen - 3/28
Asley Sultan - 3/28
Raul Hernadez - 3/30
Amarachi Onuoha - 3/30
Mckenzie Woodhead - 3/30
Elliot Anderson - 3/31
Veronica Barajas - 3/31
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COSLI Newsletter Contributors
Tobin Wheeler, Editor (Salida, CO)
Riley Cooper (Broomfield, CO)
Kaya Crawford (Crawford, CO)
Mo Dominguez (Denver, CO)
Mohamed Ibrahim (Wiggins, CO)
Knox Leonard (Denver, CO)
Bryce Li (Broomfield, CO)
Joe MacDougall (Golden, CO)
Anjana Radha (Erie, CO)
Skyla Rogers (Westminster, CO)
Allison Thomas (Wiggins, CO)
Ava Warren (Highlands Ranch, CO)
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