My biology teacher received a call from the USABO telling him that I had been named a National Finalist. When he told me, I was ecstatic! Over the next several weeks, the USABO sent me information regarding the Finalist Camp at George Mason University. Since I was a senior in high school, classes ended early for me, and I did not have to miss school to attend the National Finals. Other finalists, though, had to arrange with their schools to make-up schoolwork and final exams after their 10-day stay in Virginia.

Before the competition, I had dreaded that the other finalists would be extremely competitive and unfriendly. As soon as I met everyone at GMU, though, I knew that I had nothing to worry about. All of the finalists were welcoming, asking about high schools, college plans, and interests besides biology. Throughout the entire competition, we helped each other study; there was never the cut-throat atmosphere that I had dreaded. In fact, we became such close friends that we still keep in touch today through Facebook and e-mails.

During the camp, we had two counselors, Kay Aull and Brad Hargreaves. Both had earned gold medals at the IBO in 2004. Kay and Brad helped us in any way that they could, answering hundreds of questions about the IBO, explaining difficult information, demonstrating certain lab techniques, and showing us around the GMU campus. Their assistance was invaluable.

Each day at the competition had the same basic schedule. In the mornings, we received lectures from distinguished professors who highlighted major points from each biology subfield. Every afternoon, we conducted experiments in a lab. The experiments included a leaf litter lab in which we sifted through ground cover and attempted to identify all of the organisms that we found. Other experiments involved dissecting earthworms, crayfish, clams, and grasshoppers. I really enjoyed all of the labs! In the evenings, we usually listened to a speaker such as a researcher from the NIH. Although our days were busy, we still had time for group card games or studying every night.

National Finalists Completing Lab Work at George Mason University (Courtsey of www.cee.org/usabo)

After 8 days, we took the theoretical and practical exams. The exams were difficult, but the camp had prepared us well. At a highly-anticipated awards ceremony, the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners were named. I received a bronze medal. I left the National Finals thrilled to have won a medal and disappointed that the 10-day camp was over.