Whether you’re into journalism or just an avid reader, I have one recommendation for you: Check out the School of the New York Times.

The SoNYT is a summer program run by the New York Times for high schoolers. It has hundreds of students per term, handpicked from a selective application process that includes essays, transcripts, and references. If accepted, you’ll stay in the dorms at Fordham Law School at Lincoln Center in New York City, a block or two from Columbus Circle at the southwest corner of Central Park. 

With dozens of courses to choose from, students complete a two-week deep-dive into a particular topic with excellent instructors. I chose to take political commentary, since it’s always been a passion of mine and I wanted to learn from the best of the best. We went on excursions throughout the city, from Ellis Island to the City Museum of New York and everywhere in between. My instructors, Mary C. Curtis with CQ Roll Call and Will Schwartz from Rutgers University, were both incredibly informative. Their relentless edits, thought-provoking seminars, and fascinating day-trips introduced me to new perspectives and countless ideas for new projects.  

The class curriculum was also very impressive. Our final project was to write a publishable op-ed about a topic we’re passionate about. I wrote mine about book bans, and it went through many edits before it was finished, but I’m really proud of what I wrote. It went from an informal rant on book bans to a more refined analysis of specific bans. From the intricacies of the grammar to the flow of the writing and the logic of the point, Mrs. Curtis and Mr. Schwartz both helped improve my writing skills and my logic. 

And all of that still somehow pales in comparison to the experiences you’ll get making new friends. The students (literally) come from all over the world, from Vietnam to Ireland and China to Barbados, and they all have the same goals that you do. That means that you’ll get to work together and develop bonds that will guide you through the program and beyond. My closest friend from the program was actually from New York, so he showed me around, and when he comes to D.C., where I live, I’ll get to show him around. And I also bonded with others about food, shopping, museums, and everything New York has to offer.  

I couldn’t end this recommendation without mentioning the city for a moment. You’re in New York. You get to see Broadway shows and take the subway all around the city; there are college tours, walk-throughs of city neighborhoods, museum trips, and so much more. I’m not from a big city, so the first couple days were a bit daunting. Just going to sleep with traffic and lights and sirens was a little strange. But after a few more days and with a whole bunch of new friends, I felt comfortable navigating what I now think is the greatest city in the world. 

And none of this is to say that there aren’t drawbacks. The program is fairly selective, pricey (over $6,000 for residential students) and two weeks long. Plus you’ll have to navigate a potentially new city and rigorous academics. But as we were told confidently on the first day: everybody’s rooting for you. And in my own experience, with financial aid, helpful mentors, and many new friends, there’s nothing to think that any of those barriers should hold you back. 

So whether you’re an aspiring journalist or just a bookworm, go check out the School of the New York Times. You won’t be disappointed.

–July 18, 2023–