Video Testimonials From SIP Alumni
Feedback From Previous Participants
Written Reflections From SIP Alumni
Hi, my name is Mariia. I’m from Ukraine, and I’m an alumna of SIP 2024.
When I think about SIP, I see it as a unique opportunity to experience American college life. This program really places you in charge of every decision—how much work you put in, how much rest you take. This freedom teaches so much about independence and maturity, which I believe is essential.
I remember the moment I received my acceptance email; it felt surreal to be accepted into a program like SIP. Especially coming from a background where high school students have very limited opportunities to engage with their future fields of study, being offered a place in SIP was a tremendous honor. But I also remember feeling petrified.
I was assigned to the electrochemistry program, which seemed like a stretch for me, as I come from a biochemistry background. I worried I wouldn’t have the skills or knowledge required, that I would somehow burden my group. At the time, I honestly thought they’d made a mistake accepting me. But now, looking back, I realize that SIP wasn’t about having all the answers but about constantly learning. It’s a journey of discovery, whether you’re conducting a literature review or doing hands-on research. You’re also learning how to present yourself and how to make new connections. SIP is an incredible opportunity for driven, smart young people to come together and inspire each other.
I was surrounded by incredible people—from California, from other states, and even internationally. People like me. This experience helped me grow, and I made connections that I know I’ll keep for a long time. Even though we may not work together anymore, these relationships are meaningful and lasting.
My project focused on alternative energy—a subject I had never really considered pursuing. At first, I was intimidated, but the people I worked with were incredibly supportive. The scholarship I received truly made this experience possible. Without that financial aid, I wouldn’t be here sharing my story. This scholarship opened the door to an experience I otherwise might never have had, and I’m incredibly grateful.
SIP is a place where people from all over the world can come together to do something they’re passionate about—or to explore something entirely new. It’s a chance to genuinely enjoy the work you’re doing and to have fun doing it.
Thank you for making this possible. I’m deeply grateful for everything.
Mariia Guzenko
My SIP Odyssey: Magonistas, Mexican Marvels, and Pizzas
By Ayaan Dhruv, 9th grade student from Los Altos, CA
As the sun-drenched days of summer arrived, I found myself immersed in an enriching experience that would forever shape my understanding of history, leadership, and collaboration. Through my SIP journey at the University of Santa Cruz , I explored the depths of the Mexican Revolution and the impact of the Magonistas, an anarchist group amidst the transformation of Mexico. At the heart of my SIP experience were eight-action-packed weeks of researching, creating, and fun times.
At the beginning of the internship, we did fascinating research to understand the Mexican Revolution and all the characters involved. Meeting at UCSC for my SIP internship brought history alive through firsthand engagement with primary and secondary sources. I got to delve deep into so many materials, from newspapers and interviews from the Magonistas group, to a new book diving deep into the effects of the Magonistas. The physical act of handling these sources added a deeper dimension to my research, enabling me to step back in time and experience history in a unique way. UCSC’s environment fostered a dynamic research experience with my group members and mentor, Mr. Cruz.
Taking notes meant more than mere documentation; it was an act of immersion. Each note captured a piece of the puzzle, a fragment of insight that would eventually contribute to the bigger picture. Reading an interview and then reading a chapter of a book led me to discover similarities with writing styles, content, and characters. The stories of Mexican Revolution activists and change-makers could be woven together to create a fabric that reflected the complexity of the Revolution.
Collaboration was a pivotal experience in my SIP journey too! I got to create a shared notes document for my team members, which became a space for ideas to intertwine, where knowledge was shared freely. Amid our shared pursuit of knowledge, we discovered the value of interpersonal connections. I learned that collaboration is not just about ideas, but also about forging connections. My fondest memory was going to a pizzeria in downtown Santa Cruz and eating pizza with my group members and Mr. Cruz while talking more about our project!
Next was the heart of our project: crafting a research paper that explored into the Mexican Revolution and the role of the Magonistas during this transformative period. Guided by the insights of my mentor and by the collaboration of my fellow interns, we embarked on the meticulous task of outlining the research paper. Each section was thoughtfully orchestrated, serving as a palette for our combined exploration. It was such a great experience to create something so spectacular while getting to hear so many perspectives and ideas!
The final day arrived, a culmination of weeks of exploration and discovery. Standing alongside my fellow interns, we shared our collective findings with a sense of accomplishment–our voices united to tell the tales of the Magonistas and the Mexican Revolution. In that moment, I realized that the stories we tell have the power to shape one’s understanding of the past and inspire our journey into the future.
As my SIP experience comes to an end, I carry with me the knowledge that history isn’t confined to textbooks; it’s a living mosaic woven from stories and experiences. SIP has been a transformative chapter in my journey, teaching me that research is more than data; it’s a quest to uncover stories that have been present for centuries. From research paper outlines to shared notes, from leadership to collaboration, SIP has bestowed upon me a treasure trove of insights that will forever guide my path.
Thank you to Professor. Raja Guhathakurta for his wisdom and support, Mr. Anand Lallria and Ms. Lindsay Lauver for their tireless work, and Mr. Carlos Cruz for his mentorship and guidance.
SIP 2024 Experience by Suela Selimi
When I first heard about SIP at UCSC, I knew I had to be a part of it. As someone who is very passionate about expanding my academic horizons, SIP promised opportunities to engage with my field of interest while also enjoying the campus.
Upon arriving at UCSC, I was immediately struck by the vibrant and natural surroundings. The trees, the fresh air, and the deer were such a good part of it. My nerves quickly dissipated as I joined fellow students from diverse backgrounds, all eager to dive into their studies and also enjoy their time there. SIP offered a curriculum designed to immerse us in our chosen science. I was in the project CSE-04. The mentor was not only knowledgeable but also very passionate about the field. One of the SIP highlights during the academic hours was working in the lab along with my other teammates, also getting ready for presentation day.
However, the academic experience wasn’t the only highlight of SIP. The program also included fun activities after study hours that helped us relax, meet new people, and build community. For example, the East Field days, painting days, and going on trips. Beyond this, SIP is the perfect program if you want to form friendships with fellow interns who share enthusiasm in the same area, but not only did SIP offer to connect with people my age, it also provided a lot of opportunities to meet professors. SIP challenged me in many ways, like living away from home and managing my time, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned how to balance my life, like social life, studies, and also making time for my personal interests. SIP helped me engage with different cultures and appreciate global issues. When the time came for me to leave SIP, it felt like leaving a home. I still remember the last night at SIP, trying to get everything ready for going back home, but also trying to stay awake and enjoy the last moments. Then the presentation day came, the day I would leave. I will remember that day forever, saying goodbye to everyone, hoping that I will get to meet those people again one day.
Reflecting on my SIP experience, it is definitely one of the most significant growing periods of my life as a person. The combination of learning, having fun, and meeting new people really left a good memory for me. If people are trying to find a good summer internship program, they really have to try SIP because SIP has something to offer for everyone.