Days passed and every one took me closer to college. It was time for me to think about college. Now, I wasn't going to go as far as taking the SAT or looking for internships, but I needed more extracurricular activities. Other than piano and religious school, I had pretty much nothing.

My mom consistently urged to join some clubs as well. Finally, I decided to. I was watching the morning announcements in Spanish class when an interesting club came up on the screen. "Kids Are Scientists Too." It was a club where high school students went to the local elementary school and helped teach elementary school students and perform experiments with them. It sounded fun, educative, and just my kind of thing, so I decided to go to the interest meeting.

At the end of fourth period, the lunch bell rang its sweet sound across the school. I slung my heavy blue-black backpack over my shoulder and stumbled out of the classroom, being my uncoordinated self.

I racked my brain for the room number of the meeting, until it struck me. Room 8. I followed the classrooms from room 13 all the way down to room 6. Room 10, room 9, room 8, room 7, room 6... Wait, room 8? I took a double take, and sure enough, there it was. I nervously ran my fingers through my hair and took the first step into the room.

I looked around at the sea of unfamiliar faces, hoping to find one I recognized, but there weren't any. Most of the students were from the SMCS program, and most of them knew each other. I scanned the room and finally found one girl eating her peanut butter and jelly sandwich at a lone table. I crinkled my nose at the smell of peanut butter. I had always hated it, but walked to the table anyway.

"Can I sit here?" I asked. She nodded. I took a seat in the desk across from her and pulled out my lunch. Luckily, it was something easy to eat- pasta.

"So what's your name?" she asked, giving me a single-sided smile as I rushed to wipe my sauce covered mouth.

"Anasika," I introduced. "What's yours?"

She smiled. "Reyna. I'm in Humanities. You?"

I raised my eyebrows. It wasn't everyday you saw a Humanities student in a science club. I mean, it wasn't common for a Global student either, but at least one of our advanced subjects was science. It was even worse for her than it was for me. "I'm in Global. Seems odd to be surrounded by SMCS students." She nodded.

I was often asked if I was in SMCS. SMCS was mostly composed of Indians and Asians, and I was Indian. That combined with my love for science and math made me the perfect candidate. I had spent sleepless nights wondering about my decision, but in the end I picked Global. I don't think I could have handled the work load, or grades for that matter, in SMCS. Plus, Global was awesome. I told Reyna all this, and she identified immediately. Apparently she loved science, but didn't get into Global or SMCS. Since she still wanted to go to Prestwall, she chose Humanities, the only program she did get into. It wasn't my exact situation, but it was similar.

A tall girl with stick straight black hair, oval glasses, and wide eyes turned to us and clapped her hands. "Hi everyone!" she introduced. "Welcome to KAST, or Kids Are Scientists Too. I'm Amanda Bao, your club president. I am in SMCS, but this club is open to all programs. We will be having short five-minute interviews for the rest of lunch, so get ready. You there, in the Redskins t-shirt, come up here first."

The boy's eyes widened and he picked up his papers, scuffling to the front of the room. He was obviously nervous as he tugged on his shirt and ran his hands through his messy black hair that covered his forehead. Amanda began asking him questions, but I couldn't hear a word, so I turned back to Reyna.

"I didn't even know there was an interview," I complained.

She nodded. "Me too. I just hope they don't base it off of skill. I'm not that good at science, but I love working with kids."

"But I thought you said you love science?" I asked, confused. She placed her hands on the desk.

"I do, but I'm not the greatest at it," she explained. "How about you?"

I shrugged. "I'm not as good at it as I am with math, but it's not too hard."

Reyna gave me an amused smile and shook her head. "It's a wonder you're not in SMCS."

"I know right."

Suddenly, I heard Amanda calling out to me and pointing at me. I took a deep breath and, bidding Reyna bye, walked towards the interview desk.

"Hi," Amanda smiled at me. "What's your name?"

I cleared my throat. "Anasika. Anasika Grandle."

She nodded, jotting it down. "So, why do you want to join KAST?"

I smiled. This was easy. "Well, I've always loved working with kids. I have a little brother and I tutor him all the time, and find it rather enjoyable. Plus, I love science. It's my favorite subject, and every aspect fascinates me. So, both of those combined is a pretty good deal!"

Amanda laughed. "Alright. Do you have any activities, sports or anything else, that would prevent you from coming to the sessions?"

"Nope," I told her. "Other than piano after school on Tuesdays, I have nothing. I'm ready to give this club my total dedication."

Amanda nodded. "Okay. Would you like to join the winter or spring session?"

I could easily join both, but if I had to pick one, winter was the better option. Spring was a more hang-out-with-friends time of year, not a focus-all-on-clubs time of year. I told Amanda this and she agreed to put me on the list.

"Thank you for applying to KAST," she finished. "We will notify you by email if you make the team. Can you just write down your email here?"

I obliged and subsequently walked out of the room. I pulled my fist down and whispered "Yes!" I had most probably made the team! It sounded like a great club and I couldn't wait.

Just like Amanda had promised, I received an email the week after. It told me to meet in room 8 to discuss our first session at the elementary school. I grinned. I couldn't wait.

When the day came, I walked into the room as before, glad to see Reyna there too. We talked for a little bit until Amanda stood on a desk and silenced the club.

"Welcome, new members, to KAST. I am Amanda Bao, your president. By Tuesday of next week, I need everyone to write a session plan on the specific topic I have emailed you," she instructed. "I have also attached a sample session plan in the email for anyone who needs ideas. Please have the plan printed out and ready by next Tuesday. Our next meeting will be next Wednesday and we will go to the elementary school on Thursday. Thank you. Meeting adjourned."

So, that was it. I turned to Reyna, "That was pretty anticlimactic." She nodded in agreement and we walked out of the classroom.

I spent all week working on my session plan, and finally, the long-awaited day arrived.

The school was not too far, so Mr. Cardinal drove us in the Global Bus. I found it rather ironic that a club with the majority of SMCS students were using the Global Bus, but I supposed it was better to use it no matter the program. When we reached the school, we walked through the winding hallways filled with finger paint and crayon art until we finally reached the classroom.

It was like traveling back in time. The small desks, the tiny blue chairs, the cubbies with plastic checkered baskets, and so much more. The students were small, only reaching up to my waist at most and I couldn't help wondering if I was ever that small. Probably.

Amanda instructed us to each pick a table to go and sit at with students. I wiped sweat off my forehead and walked to a table of three small girls wearing flowery shirts and pants. I gave them a nervous smile. I really, really wanted them to like me.

"Hi, I'm Anasika," I introduced, smiling at them. "What are your names?"

One of the girls with curly brown hair and wearing a blue shirt with Queen Elsa from Frozen on it smiled. "I'm Carrie. This is Kelly and this is Emily."

They both waved at me shyly. I sat up a bit straighter. What was I nervous about? These were just some seven year old girls. "Well, nice to meet you Carrie, Kelly, and Emily. Are you excited for KAST?"

Their tiny little grins said it all. Emily had a gap at her two front teeth and Kelly was wearing little blond pigtails. They were so cute!

"How old are you?" asked a wide eyed Kelly.

I couldn't help but give a slightly smug smile. "I'm fourteen, in ninth grade."

"Ooooh," murmured Emily in awe. "That's so big. That's, like, high school!"

I nodded. Carrie tilted her head to the side, "Do you have a boyfriend?"

My eyes widened and I placed a hand on my chest. "Excuse me?"

Luckily, Amanda saved me from answering the awkward question. She clapped her hands twice, signaling attention to the front of the classroom. Slowly, she explained the session for the day, with all the students' undivided attention. She was a great teacher.

After she carefully explained the session, she distributed the materials and the kids began working. I helped supervise and offer suggestions, but mostly let them figure it out on their own. After half an hour, they had built their project, which worked successfully after a few tries. I helped out, and wanted to stay longer, but I had to catch the bus since I came from out of town. I bid the little kids goodbye and walked to the bus stop. Soon I was riding home.

KAST wasn't everything I had expected, but it was pretty fun. It was definitely a club I would be sticking around with. Now, that was one thing for college done. But, what were the others?