Introducing Carmen by Carmen Bonner

Hi! My name is Carmen Bonner. I’m a senior at Cheltenham High School and I heard about TRIP from a teacher there. I applied for this program because I’ve always craved more experience with lab experiments and research. Science is my favorite subject, and my current favorite classes are microbiology and AP Chemistry. I plan to major in biology or chemistry in college, then pursue a career in STEM, likely something in forensics. TRIP will prepare me for the collaboration, investigation, and experimentation required for such an education and career, along with introducing me to an amazing community full of people passionate about the same things that I am.

In addition to science, I love art, music, swimming, and writing. I work with any and all 3D mediums, like clay, wire, and yarn. My favorite craft is crocheting; I’ve made sweaters, stuffed animals, shirts, and tote bags. You may spot me wearing one of my sweaters in a future blog! While crocheting, I like to listen to music, especially Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, and Phoebe Bridgers. I got my dream pet last September and named her Kyoto, after my favorite Phoebe Bridgers song. She’s a gray corn snake that has the vibes of the song and the Japanese city that inspired it.

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During school, I enjoy my art, science, and English classes. I express myself with words, whether through poetry, creative writing, or essays. Last year, I won an essay contest for teens affected by cancer through Gilda’s Club Cancer Support Community Center. Science allows me to learn about our world, to explore the factual workings of our surroundings. Art and writing allow me to manipulate these surroundings, to highlight the beautiful and emotional aspects of life.

​After school, I swim. I’ve swam for my high school’s varsity swim team for four years, and I’ve been on my local summer swim team since I was eleven. This year, I was honored to become a school team captain. It has been my pleasure to welcome our new members and share my love for the sport.

My first day of TRIP taught me how to properly use a micropipette, showed me the process of making a diluted solution, and helped me get to know all my fellow TRIP students. We made fly food for our first experiments, and we were all given a vial of flies to observe at home. Already, the program goes above and beyond my expectations of hands-on education. I’m very eager to continue learning and experimenting; I can’t wait for next week!