With keen interest in science, Joshua Lawrence, 13, continues to make
his family proud in many areas despite challenges. According to his
family, he is a child who continues to fight and win the odds against
the Autism Spectrum (PDD/NOS).
Lawrence has not allowed his challenges to peg him back, as he recently
participated successfully in a summer science program at a University in
Rhode Island, USA.
Lawrence was among some 105 7th and 8th graders from various countries,
including the USA, UK, South Korea and China. He was the only child
from the Caribbean who attended the prestigious SPARK Summer Science
Program at the ivy league Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island
last month.
Lawrence of Sugar Mill Road, Lower Estate is an 8th Grade student
enrolled in an accredited high school in Florida and he is a continuing
student of the Sylvan Learning Center, Caguas, Puerto Rico and
associated with The Valley Day School, Virgin Gorda.
Lawrence's success and achievements are commendable, as it cements that
every child can learn to his full potential. However, according to his
mother, Einstein Samuels, this cannot be achieved without getting the
proper intervention that the child requires.
She believes that early and continuous intervention is the key. She
encourages parents like herself to be aggressive and not allow any
system or educator to contribute to their child's downfall. She is of
the view that the time has long expired for educators and policy makers
in the BVI to ensure that no child is left behind.
Meanwhile, in relation to the program, among the many interesting
programs to choose from, Lawrence chose Nanotechnology: The Small Wonder
From Atom To Space.
The experience and knowledge he gained will long be remembered as
Lawrence participated in classmate presentations and a debate on whether
or not nanotechnology should be used for medical applications.
Among the exciting experiments and hands on learning, he made an edible
nano surface of candy and crackers, water filtration using nano size
calcium phosphate and bone cement using jello and nano size bone
mineral. The teenager also measured the pulse rate of a blackworm,
which he didn't like too much.
Professor Yei Yang who taught the class, said Lawrence was able to meet
the demands of the program and he was impressed with his performance and
participation.
As a result, Lawrence's critical thinking skills have advanced as he is
now able to view scientific and real life situations from different
angles. He has a greater appreciation for science, which has widened
his curiosity to learn more and ask more mind-provoking questions.
According to his family, above all, he made lots of friends and he is thrilled that learning doesn't have to be boring.
In addition to his interest in science, the teen loves traveling; plays
the violin, guitar and drums; kung fu, sailing and he also loves
challenging himself to use the piano.
SPARK is a science program for curious middle school students that seek
to spend one or two weeks at Brown University campus and immerse
themselves in exciting science subjects and gain the foundations
necessary for further scientific inquiry. SPARK brings together students
with similar abilities and diverse backgrounds.
Applications are submitted and reviewed by the Admissions Committee who
looks for academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and the ability to
participate, and thereafter approve or reject applications. Supporting
documents for the application included official school transcripts for
the 6th and 7th grades with an explanation of the scoring system.
The program was introduced to Lawrence by his school.
Lawrence's mother expressed special appreciation to Joshua's school,
Professor Yei Yang and the administrators and staff of Brown University,
Mr. Wade Smith, Mr. Kafer Smith and Mrs. Marcella Matthews. Source from: http://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?page=Article&articleID=1344996317