On July 17th, 2016, I walked through the doors of Dardick Hall in Washington University in St. Louis for the five-week Summer Scholars Program with hardly any clues as to how the experience would turn out. I had read some reviews about the academic part of the program, but I had not known what to expect concerning the social aspect of it. I remember worrying about meeting new people, establishing friendships, and building a new community.

Once the program began, however, such concerns completely diminished and I was enveloped with warm welcomes, bright smiles, and a group of supportive and caring people.

From day one, the program assistants (PAs) and program director were ready to launch us into a new chapter of our lives as they enthusiastically led us a through a series of activities for orientation, beginning with a detailed tour of the campus and ending with a few ice breakers. The day was full of fun events and any feeling of homesickness soon vanished.

From then on, every moment was special and memorable in its own way. I was able to meet so many wonderful new people and emerge myself into the environment in no time. The experience was especially great in that the PAs often set up different social events, both on and off campus, that encouraged the students to interact, relax, and explore the city of St. Louis.

One of the most exciting trips was to Six Flags, a large amusement park within the city. There, I realized just how special the entire five weeks was. Within a few days, I had discovered people that embraced my ideas and differences and reminded me to pursue my passions. I was left appalled at how quickly I had begun to trust and depend on the people that I had just met.

Among the students at the program, I became very close to fourteen individuals who are not only considered my best friends, but my family. They supported me through every all-nighter, reminded me to enjoy the moment, and never hesitated to accompany me on adventures around campus and around the city.

Looking back now, I am overwhelmed by all of the memories that I was able to make with the people that I love. It seems that time really does fly when you are having fun because the last five weeks have certainly passed too quickly. I will miss the beautiful walks around campus, the group study sessions in Olin Library, eating breakfast together in the DUC, exploring Delmar Loop, stressing about finals together, attending seminars hosted by Maurice, watching Suicide Squad at the AMC theater, shopping at the Galleria, walking to the Arch in the rain, and so on. Simply, I will miss every part of the program and every person that I met.

Although I enjoy building new relationships and integrating myself into new communities, it has certainly been hard to say so many goodbyes. Whether it was at MSA or at WashU, I have been forced to separate myself from people that I will love forever and hold dearly in my heart. It seems that I am full of summertime sadness as my vacation comes to a close and as the chaotic school year begins once more.