Editor, the Gazette:
I would like to thank the people of West Virginia for their support of the National Youth Science Camp, which I attended this summer as a delegate from Tennessee. This life-changing experience is undoubtedly worth much greater attention than it receives.
Every morning I woke up among the country’s – no, the world’s – best and brightest students, but we were not competing for grades. Yes, we were there to learn, but we learned in an environment of exploration, collaboration, and openness. From Frisbee physics – which was surprisingly complex – to dissecting hands, we all found ourselves pushed a bit outside of our comfort zones, yet completely thrilled by the experience.
I cannot adequately express my thanks for the NYSC, the “staph” members who work there, and the contributors who made my 25-day stay in West Virginia possible. The National Youth Science Camp is a rare gem for the state of West Virginia and for the nation.
Ethan Green, Springfield, Tenn.