This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Lab Science Investigations Pre-College Program at Tufts University—and it was truly two weeks I’ll never forget.
I lived in Miller Hall, right on campus, which instantly made me feel like a real college student. From morning labs to late-night dorm conversations, every part of the experience was packed with learning, fun, and connection.
Our focus in the lab was on something that's not only fascinating but globally urgent: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I got hands-on experience in microbiology, learning how to pipette, plate bacteria, and analyze how certain strains respond—or don’t respond—to antibiotics. It was wild to realize that I was doing work that mirrors real-world biomedical research. Standing at the lab bench, suited up with gloves and goggles, I felt like a scientist in training.
But it wasn’t all lab coats and petri dishes. Weekends and evenings were filled with fun campus activities and outings. I got to channel my inner artist by designing my own tote bag, and one night we went on a group trip to Dave & Buster’s, which was the perfect mix of arcade chaos and bonding time.
One of the best parts? The people. I made amazing friends from all over the country— Chicago, California, and beyond. We connected over shared interests in science, college goals, and even the stress of learning to pipette without blowing bubbles (yes, it’s harder than it looks). We stayed up way too late talking about everything from lab work to which dining hall snacks were superior.
In just two weeks, I grew academically and personally. I left Tufts with a deeper understanding of AMR, a bunch of new lab skills, and a network of friends I still talk to today.
If you’re thinking about a pre-college program and love science, this is your sign: Do it. You never know what you’ll discover—not just in the lab, but about yourself.
