On Friendship, Learning, and the Pursuance of Good Pizza

When I first decided to participate in Great Summer, I thought (yes, “thought”) that I would learn how to write more effectively and listen more closely to conversations. I did, of course, and I enjoyed the week-long camp mainly because of how much it helped me with my listening skills. What I didn’t expect was to gain so many wonderful friends, learn so much about life in general, and enjoy so many inside jokes. I dearly hope that this recap won’t be a bagel-bite read.

            I distinctly remember arriving on campus and immediately thinking, “Am I overdressed for this?” But more significant than that was the replaying thought, “I’m here! No way, it’s happening! I’m here!” I don’t think I’ve ever put so much effort into an event and had it pay off like Great summer did. I’ve definitely never had something pay off so instantly. Even after leaving student commons where I met Cordia and Callee and got my room key from Dr. Jacobs, I got to the apartment and realized that we had been put in the best housing on campus. The apartment was the kind of place that I would be more than happy to live during my college life. As I was putting my things in my room, Kathryn walked in and just so happened to be in the room right next to mine.  We became close friends that very night, staying up to write and talk about life (and we may have watched some YouTube comedies at some point or another).

            We definitely spent about five hours or more in the GB room each day. I always found it so exciting when we received a new piece of literature to read and dissect, as I knew that I would learn so much more about the piece at Great Summer than I ever would have on my own. Reading Ray Bradbury’s “The Pedestrian” was one of my favorite parts of our time in the GB room, as I found that the reading was so much more significant than I might have noticed had I read it at home. I didn’t expect to find myself so satisfied by the ability to dig deep into a reading and pull things out of it that meant something incredibly important. My mental picture was of myself and my friends actually diving into the words and finding an entire universe between the front of the page and the back of it. I’ve found myself immersed in an author’s world many, many times before, but never so personally as in Bradbury’s there at Great Summer.

            The Great War on Socrates and Trash was certainly one of the most memorable occurrences during the week. It raged on throughout, in fact. I personally think that Socrates is an incredibly impressive thinker. His ability to focus on what he’s saying and put so much sense into his arguments by simply asking questions is mind-blowing. And yes, I think he’s quite a humble person. It was therefore very funny to listen to Dr. J (kindly) troll some of the other students by pointing out their remarks and comparing said remarks to Socrates’ ideals. “So you would therefore agree that this person is an expert in his field, and that others are more ordinary when it comes to that kind of knowledge?” This was a common quote of Dr. J’s, give or take a few words. I can’t say that I didn’t join in every now and then. Is it morally correct, however, to point out someone’s arguments by using their least favorite philosopher as an example? (Moral correctness was a large topic throughout the week, whether taken seriously or not.)

            Watching the Hitchcock film Rear Window was another highlight of my week. It was especially relaxing after nearly breaking my ankle about three times at Rockin’ Jump the night before. Nearly all of the music came from characters playing instruments during the action, and every shot was either of Jeff’s living room or of the view from his window, and yet the film was still incredibly interesting and engaging. Understanding it took a lot of concentration, but I enjoy thought-provoking films like that one.

            We also went to an escape room one night, and that I particularly enjoyed. Everyone was fairly organized, and we did very little shouting (I would like to thank Socrates, the GB room, and the Mortality Clock). Although we escaped with only a few minutes remaining, I think we did very well, considering that one of my blonde moments occurred and I locked one of the drawers back. Poor Dr. J and Cordia were working on that one nonstop for at least ten minutes. I had no idea what was going on someone asked about it at the very end.

            In the end, Dr. Jacobs, Dr. Fullman, Dr. Edwards, and all the girls that I spent time around during the week gave me an educational and social experience that I’ll never forget. I can never thank them enough for what they taught me and for all of the fun that we had. The Shakespeare play As You Like It taught me about the importance of kindness and loyalty, and also how funny it is when Dr. Fullman laughs (or rides on the running board of Dr. J’s truck while we find a parking spot. “He said ‘onward’!”). All of my new friends, particularly my immortal one, showed me that people do care, and the President of the Socrates Fanclub taught me how to order a pizza (I really appreciate that one, Callee). All of the pizza comparisons taught me about the differences between people and the importance of all of them. Certainly, Great Summer was one of the “greatest” experiences of my entire high school life.

            Hide the bananas!