COSMOS Student Profiles
COSMOS is a month-long residential program for California high school students who demonstrate high achievement in science and mathematics and are motivated to explore complex topics in depth. Participants attend classes and live in the residence halls at one of four UC campuses--Davis, Irvine, San Diego or Santa Cruz-- and have the opportunity to engage in social activities during the evening and field trips on weekends. Special events are designed to enhance students' personal, social and academic growth. Each COSMOS site offers different theme-based course clusters that reflect the unique resources and specialties of the campus.
Gerald Morgan
UC Berkeley
UC Santa Cruz 2007
Participated in the Linear Logic and Logic Cluster
COSMOS was a heaven-sent miracle that seems to still have a significant effect on my life today. I attended COSMOS at UC Santa Cruz in 2007, prior to my senior year, with the encouragement from my mentor, Shirley Miranda who is involved in the program at UCSD. My initial reaction to the proposal to attend the program was negative; I thought I would not fit in, be boring and a waste of time if they decided to pick me out of all people. Once I was informed that I was chosen, I was still skeptical about participating because I thought my efforts would be better spent enjoying my summer. My mentor Mrs. Miranda was able to give me the motivation to engage with the program. My first impression of the people there left me with a feeling of isolation because of the factor that not many people looked like me, so I assumed not many could relate. COSMOS, with their communal activities allowed people to really connect on a personal level, it allowed me to bond with people that I still keep in touch with today. The exposure to higher learning sparked the flame that eventually became an enraged fire of desire to continue on the journey of enlightenment. I really learned a lot about the subject and I realized that I truly do have a passion for mathematics. I took Linear Algebra and Logic and I enjoyed every minute. I even got selected to attend the Annual Nobel Laureate Gala. I had the opportunity to present my COSMOS research project to Nobel Laureates and other prestigious. It was truly a humbling experience.
COSMOS has opened many doors and opportunities for me. With a new found sense of myself and aspirations, I was able to get a 4.75 GPA both semesters of my senior year. I am now attending the number one public school in the nation - UC Berkeley. I am grateful for what COMSOS has done for me.