As I packed up my bags and shoved my last pieces of clothing into my suitcase, I realized my summer at UCLA was coming to a close. I had a heavy heart knowing that the people I got used to seeing everyday, were also zipping up their lives into their bags and getting ready to go home.
When I first arrived at UCLA, I had no clue how connected I would feel to the other students, the staff, and the campus at the end of my 5 weeks here. The students and staff felt like family, and the campus made me feel like I was at home.
Being with Summer Discovery, I’ve become more prepared for my life at college and getting used to living on a campus, and I’ve learned how to manage my time between hanging out with friends and also prioritizing my academics. The most interesting aspect of this experience was making friends and creating memories that I will never forget.
I truly believe that there was never a dull moment throughout the past 5 weeks, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to experience something so incredible. Summer Discovery is a one of a kind program that people travel near and far to be apart of, and I think that it’s truly an experience of a lifetime to experience what it’s like to be a college student while you’re still in high school.
This summer, I’ve learned that in order to get what you want out of any experience or opportunity in life, you must take initiative and put yourself out there to really get the full effect of anything that interests you. Although I wish I could replay this summer over and over again, like anything good in life, it must come to an end.
We ended our trip with a hilarious night at an improv show in Melrose, and it was followed up with a talent show and a slideshow to relive the summer. As sad as it was to say goodbye to all of my new friends and wave goodbye to my summer at UCLA, I am hopeful that I will get another opportunity like this again next summer.
By: Raquel A., UCLA 5 week student from Florida