The Truth About Summer Programs

One of the scariest parts about going into a Summer program is the pressure or idea to meet as many people as you can especially the mindset of meeting people before others and to do everything possible. Being in a new city, state, or environment, not having friends you're used too, and not being comfortable in your own surroundings at first can be scary. Summer programs are great to experience new things such as, objectives, people, and places, but the pressure to make everything perfect can be critical. Roommates start to meet, friendships form, and you slowly meet the people that are you're best friends. Pictures are taken and posted, group chats are formed, and these sudden bonds are special to people who are completely strangers. Meeting people can be extremely easy throughout a summer program, but the pressure to like everyone and everything can make us second guess ourselves.

The attitude of having to please everyone can be very limiting throughout a summer program. some people do these programs for the people, the letter of recommendation, or for a new experience. The idea of going out to a new place, learn something new and meet new people is terrifying, especially for someone with anxiety. One main thing people don't want to admit, is what they look for when trying to make friends in a new place. It's normal for us to put up a wall of what we "want" or expect but the truth is that we need to be open to all the possibilities. Someone once told me, "Different people open our minds up to different ideas, values, and mentalities, and we need this kind of diversity in order to flourish as individuals and even to become happier overall." Some may beg to differ but from experience, the variety of things is what pushes us and expands are knowledge to become and perform better. Through you're summer program it is important to keep an open mind and be friends with everyone. By that I do not mean that you have to spend moment to moment with these people, but friends from class, your floor, or just for everything. Having these interactions with others are what make each and one of us significantly different. I learned to take in every moment, thank everyone along the way, and be open minded.

This summer I was very privileged to attend The School of New York Times; Summer Academy program for writing. This program was nothing like anything I have done, for starters I was across the country in New York; the most special place ever. I did not know anyone, and I was learning something that I have never learned before. With the overwhelming amount of pressure to love every moment of my experience was hard to accept at first. Not until the third to fourth day I started to understand how lucky I was to be here. I learned from incredible professors, met new friends from all over the world, and had the most memorable summer of my life. Not only was I in the city that never sleeps, I have never been open to so many opportunities. From touring the New York Times, Interviewing companies, expanding my knowledge of writing, and doing every last possible touristy thing in New York, I tried something new. This summer, I stepped out of my comfort zone, and opened myself to new opportunity.

This summer was the most influential and life changing program for me, through every way. To anyone wondering if they should step out of their comfort zone and take the leap, I encourage you to take the chance. Our lives our so valuable and we need to absorb every opportunity that is thrown our way. Send in the test scores, ask for help, expand your knowledge, and learn to be okay with change. Blair Waldorf once said " If you really want something you don't stop for anyone or anything until you get it."

Here are some of my favorites from my Program:

The cutest suite mates - Annika, Michela and Dora

A photo from the Met Museum with Jillian & Michela

Some more of my talented ladies <3

Mia, Betti & Dlisah. My east coast gals

the beautiful busy streets of Times Square

All my love, Lily <3