Six years. Six years of studying, device building, and all-around shenanigans. Six years of invitational, regional, and state tournaments. Six years and Science Olympiad has come to an end; it's time to give it its due. To my fellow Science Olympians, I salute you and your hard work. Only you can understand these deep truths—the shared experiences that unite us nerds until the end.
1. Feeling the pressure to study and consequently not studying.
After all, is Science Olympiad really about science? Maybe a little, but it is more about great friendships and hanging out with fellow nerds.
2. The mutual feeling of hatred and grudging respect that everyone feels towards the Grand Haven team.
Yes, they always (and I mean always) win. Every tournament. Every year. Does that mean they are smart and talented? Probably. Does that mean we are all jealous and sore losers? Probably.
3. That moment when Grand Haven didn't get first at the regional tournament. Or top two at state, so they didn't get invited to nationals.
It may or may not have felt a little bit like justice to see them fall. Did I feel bad for those heartbroken and sobbing? A little. But I may have also lost my voice cheering for the teams that beat them (and it wasn't even my own team).
4. The hour-long wait to get ice cream at the MSU Dairy Store.
Every year at the state tournament, all of the Science Olympiad nerds all want ice cream, creating a line that lasts about one hour and wraps around a hallway five times. The ice cream and those homemade waffle cones though? Worth it. (Can I just say that I'm a teeny tiny bit excited to be a Spartan next fall so that I can enjoy this ice cream without the hour wait?)
5. Breaking devices the night before or the morning of competition.
After spending countless hours working on a helicopter/wind turbine/bridge/ Rube Goldberg/etc. and perfecting a device that is sure to win first place, someone somehow indubitably steps on or misplaces it (or the device just breaks itself). Nothing like hard work down the drain.
6. Is there a scientist in the house?
Every year at the GVSU regional tournament, Dean Antczak gives us a similar message, trying to find the scientist in the house that will go on to find the cure for cancer or a renewable source of energy. It never gets old. Shout out to the Grand Rapids Christian team for putting his speech on the back of their shirts.
7. Red lines around your face from annoying goggles.
Every event that even semi-deals with chemicals or machines makes us wear goggles. You never know what "biologicals might hitch a ride on the sclera of your eye" (literal quote from the terrifying event supervisor for Experimental Design at MSU).
8. Nerd jokes that literally no one thinks are funny.
A neutron and an electron walk into a bar. Please. We all know that you're just stalling for time.
9. The roller coaster of emotions that accompanies the awards ceremony.
It starts with a sick, nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach as the announcers begin announcing the places. Continues with either the exhilaration of a medal, hugs, and high fives or crushing disappointment and pitying looks from the teammates.
10. Trying to find a Starbucks in whatever college campus we are on.
Top priority of the day: find a Starbucks, find it fast, avoid the line.
11. Photo shoots, long walks, epic conversations, and friendships that last a lifetime.
The experiences and friendships that I've made at Science Olympiad will stay with me the rest of my life. Nothing has proved to me that nerds can be cool more than Science Olympiad, and I know that my nerd herd always has my back.
