I got the approval to live on-campus for the Summer on Pangy Day while in line to pet a chicken. I told all my friends, as they knew how nervous I was about getting approved. For the billionth time, they tell me how they could never do it and that I’m crazy. For a second, I thought so as well, especially after discovering I wouldn’t be able to work in a lab after all (Lynk guidelines really do be tight!). I was terrified this summer would be a big mistake, the worst of my life. I couldn’t be more wrong.
During the summer, I worked for Admissions, Division of Student Life, did retail at the Village Commons, and volunteered at Holyoke Medical Center. I made sure to keep myself busy; if summer did suck, I wouldn’t have time to think about it! Since I had no classes to study for or extracurriculars to attend to, I could dedicate all my time to gaining work experience. I made so much DOUGH! Maybe this fiscal year I’ll finally make enough to pay taxes! That wasn’t all the joy from work though; the connections I made will certainly last a lifetime. I got to keep my positions for the academic year, and I feel so close to staff now, including people who used to highly intimidate me (it turns out ResLife staff knows when and how to get silly!).
My coworkers were also incredible people, and I was so glad to get so close to them. Being here in the summer, you have few options for friendships; this year, only 116 people stayed, all in 1837 Hall. Being forced out of your comfort group can be the best thing to happen to you. Having everyone in the same dorm was like an eternal sleepover. I can no longer count how many times my roommate and I knocked on all our friends’ doors at midnight just to be silly. My roommate, Kerry (I often use fake names, but this is a real one, shoutout to Kerry Brown, the coolest guy in town), and I became so close; we clicked immediately, and we still hang out for lunch. I know the people I met during the summer most likely wouldn’t have crossed my path if I hadn’t stayed, and for that, I’m forever grateful I was here. I have no words for my love for them and how priceless our connections are. You know who you are!
Last but not least, this summer gave me a newfound appreciation for New England and Western Massachusetts. This place is so beautiful, I don’t even know what to say. The skies are so blue, and the sun shines so bright on everyone; who knew you could get a tan in Massachusetts? When you have so much free time, you really explore the region. Now I can see myself raising my children here, being buried in the cemetery behind the Commons, and showing my Brazilian family around small-town America. South Hadley is beautiful. Western Massachusetts is beautiful. We just have to open our eyes to see it.
Here’s to doing it all again next summer!