Receiving the Smithsonian Computerworld Award was a very unique experience.

It was an honor to represent my community, my friends and it definitely was an honor representing Harlemlive. Harlemlive was among 470 other laureates who were also receiving the award. Each organization was represented by one individual who also received the award.

As for myself, I must admit I felt somewhat uncomfortable. It was my understanding that I not only had to represent HarlemLive, but I also had to make a speech. Unfortunately I don't really care for making speeches, but I do love to speak. Anyway, I prepared myself with all the necessary information, but luckily I didn't have to make a speech.

At first intimidating, but later inspirational, I asked myself several times whether I belonged here. With nearly 500 laureates, 25 years of age and older, and myself being only 17, I felt quite uncomfortable. I called on poetic moments in my mind when I was forced to face adult situations before my time. Surely this was one. The comparison was harsh, because these individuals that surrounded me had accomplished so much . They had completed high school, graduated college and much more. I worried whether or not I could compete at their level.

It was then I realized that a lot of people are always going to be ahead of me, however at that moment I also came to notice I was already competing at the same level if not above as a minor. A seventeen-year old amongst those who have "made it," in itself inspired me to make it.

The Smithsonian Museum

The dinner, was held to give the laureates a chance to interact and network. I was no longer afraid of the people I was placed with. I no longer feared the challenge facing me. It was then I started to network, to represent HarlemLive to these professionals. I let them know it is an organization of which I am so thankful to be a part of. I focused on every individual I met at the dinner. I honestly tried to introduce myself to each of them and let them know that somewhere in New York, in a community known as Harlem, an on-line youth publication called Harlemlive exists.

I met with a lot of other people who were amazed by the work we did at Harlemlive. Some looked surprised. Others made me feel comfortable. Others simply gave me the "Oh my god ...... youth!" look. Nonetheless I felt very happy, happy for my peers whom I was also representing, the advisors, grateful to Epson America who nominated us for this award and the original creators of a Smithsonian winning organization.

Following the time spent networking, the laureates ate dinner while listening to speeches of congratulations and the educational use of computer technology. AT the dinner table, again I explained to the ones joining me about Harlemlive, and they were all amazed. Following the dinner, thanks to Elaine Johnson, the advisor who drove me safely to the ceremony I was able to get safely back to the hotel.

Michael Flowers, Jeanette Reynolds (Epson America), Kerly Suffren, Elaine Johnson, Pat Kelly, Laura Cespedes

Kerly at the dinner