At Pritzker College Prep, we take pride in celebrating significant milestones in our students’ academic progress. This summer, 90 of our students will be attending colleges all over the country for Summer of a Lifetime. One of our sophomores, Ixchael Barajas, will be taking a huge step towards her dreams at Brown University. Learn more about her and what she’s looking forward to:

How did you feel when you found out you were accepted into Summer of a Lifetime?

I felt very happy. Getting the opportunity to go to a college campus, going far away, and getting that independence means a lot to me. I don’t think I want to study close to home, so getting this opportunity to experience that would allow me to see if this is for me before applying to college. I was also overwhelmed, but a good overwhelmed— I was just happy. My sister did it, so I had some background already, but going away from home was something I was definitely excited about.

What program or university will you be attending this summer? What will you be studying or learning about while you’re there?

I will be attending Brown, and the course I decided to take is economics. I wanted to try economics because I definitely want to do something related to business and possibly have my own business one day. I really don’t know what economics is, so being able to take a course and learn about what it is would be so beneficial, not only to understand what it is, but to apply it in any future careers.

Have you ever been away from home or traveled out of state before? If not, how does it feel knowing this will be your first time?

I think only when I was very little, but I don’t even remember it. I think it’s what I need. I love my family and friends, but I do think the one thing I need is independence, and I think this would be a great opportunity for me to get that. For me, it’s always been hard to be away from home and be separate from my parents because I grew up very family-oriented. I know that when I grow up and go to different places, it will be a necessity to be away from them, and I think it’s just part of growing up.

What are you hoping to learn or experience through this program?

Well, obviously more about economics, but also how to talk and meet people from different cultures and really get that diversity.

How might this opportunity impact your future goals or college dreams?

I think I can learn more about what Brown has to offer. It’s definitely a high-achieving school. I feel like going to college and feeling like I fit in could help me persevere. This is important to me because it will be a new environment, something different. I wonder if being away from home is for me. I went to UChicago, and although it was a great experience, it didn’t feel like it was the place for me. Getting a broader experience and perspective of schools would be beneficial for me.

What would you say to another student who’s thinking about applying for SOL in the future?

I would say definitely do it. It really is the summer of a lifetime, and, I mean, you’re getting this for a pretty low cost. I really appreciate this opportunity.

What are you passionate about or interested in, both in and outside of school?

I’m passionate about helping others. I volunteer at different places and help with translation for those who need it. My mom was always someone who needed help with translation, and I am happy doing this for others, too. I am also passionate about doing better than my parents could and really persevering to make them proud. In school, my favorite subject is history because we can learn from the errors and successes we made in the past. I believe that this contributes to my college journey because it allows me to see what other people have gone through in the past and how I can relate it in my own life.