Help Lucy Study Forensic Science at NSLC This Summer

Hi, my name is Lucy Falby and I am a junior at Portland High School. I am raising $4500 to cover tuition and fees for the Forensic Science Program offered through the National Student Leadership Conference at Columbia University in New York City this summer. This is a huge opportunity for me and would help me grow my confidence as a learner and leader while exploring a subject I am passionate about. I will get to experience university campus life before going to college and meet people from all over the country who share my interests.

What lead me here?

The pandemic really affected my middle school experience in a negative way. I withdrew from my peers and my teachers. I felt angry and defeated. I needed to escape the drama and uncertainty.

About half way through my 8th grade year, the class studied podcasts. My teacher noticed that I loved them and started recommending different ones. Soon, the topic of true crime came my way. I became obsessed with the stories, details and science behind it. I listened to these podcasts all the time. It gave me something to focus on other than school and the pandemic.

Now I have been listening to true crime podcasts, watching documentaries and TV shows about true crime and forensic science for around four years. I have learned a lot about serial killers, their motives and the forensic evidence at their signature crime scenes. As a junior in high school I have made friends, fallen in love with sports and found my people. I no longer need an escape from reality, but I still listen to podcasts for enjoyment.

Going into my junior year, I was inspired to take forensic chemistry, criminal justice and AP psychology. These classes have helped me gain insight into what it's like working in the field of criminology and forensic science. I have learned so much this year about this topic and have emerged as a leader of sorts.

Some aspects of being a leader come naturally to me. Cheerleading is a place I thrive. It is my happy place and It has given me the chance to learn how to lead a group effectively and patiently. Although I still have much to learn about being a leader, I know that I can contribute a unique perspective. When something doesn't work I pick it apart to see where I went wrong and what I can do to fix it. I have had tough seasons and teams to work with, but through it all I think about who I am doing it for and why I am doing it. It's all for the team. Then I can push through the months of injury and mental strain. While struggling, with these things it is important to recognize that everyone is struggling with me. I try my best to step up, put a smile on my face and encourage everyone to give everything they have. It is not only benefiting me, but all of us. When everyone tries their best, you see the results you want. That is what I strive for every time we practice or work out a problem in a routine.

This experience at NSLC will help me grow as a person and become a better leader for my team and myself. I can only imagine the things I will learn. While this is a terrifying thing to jump into, I know that I have done scary things before that ended up changing my life for the better. I am sure these 10 days will be no different. Your generosity will make this dream of mine possible. Please spread the word and thank you for your kindness! Your generosity will make this dream of mine possible. Please spread the word and thank you for your kindness!

How will the money I raise be used?

Tuition for this program is $4,095. While this includes my room, board, and academic fees, this cost does not include airfare, transportation to and from the airport, trip insurance to protect my tuition or spending money for off campus meals and souvenirs. Any money I raise will go toward these costs as well.

What is the NSLF and NSLC?

The National Student Leadership Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization devoted to preparing outstanding high school students for future careers. Through the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), high school students from across the US and over 70 countries come together to explore careers, develop essential leadership skills and prepare for college.