As the summer comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my time away from home, the people I have met and the experiences I've had. I also find that I am feeling very bittersweet about leaving Martha's Vineyard and returning to school. On one hand, I am very excited to see all the friends I haven't been able to see this summer; but on the other, I am going to miss all the amazing people I've met here who live all around the world. My life has forever been changed by this summer. Here are a few "thank you's" to all the people who have made an impact on my life.
First, to the kids I worked with this summer:
You have taught me so much about patience and compromise. Whether it’s picking a game to play or dealing with Middle Pier for a half-hour. You have shown me that parents are still raising their kids right by showing them work ethic and acceptance of others. Watching you babysit and seeing you accept others’ differences was inspiring. I will miss every single one of you as we all leave to head back to school. I wish you all the best luck in the coming school year.
To my coworkers:
You have shown me how to live and work with others. Even if there is drama, it is vital to leave it at the door and be a positive presence at work. I will be forever grateful to each of you for listening to me when I needed you and telling me what I needed to hear—not just what I wanted to hear. Thank you for being my beach buddies and for sharing meals with me. You have become my family the past three months and I will miss you all—and hope you see you again next summer (fingers crossed).
To my close friends at work:
Thank you for, literally, everything. You have been my backbone all summer long. Thank you for listening to me vent and cry, and for going out to get ice cream with me almost every night. You have helped me get through so much this summer. Thank you for taking time out of your life to spend time with me; thank you for accepting me and loving me. Thank you for being a positive presence in my life—building the bonds for us to be forever friends. I love you all and I can't wait to visit your schools, and hopefully, your countries one day.
To my friends outside of work:
Thank you for being my escape from everyone I work for and with. I have found refuge in leaving work just to play DnD or go to the beach. You all are amazing friends and you mean more to me than you'll ever know. Thank you for helping me take risks to get over my fears—all of which allowed me to have the amazing experiences that this summer and this island offer—like jumping off Jaws Bridge and late-night adventures. The impromptu singing in the streets will forever be a blessing and a curse. I can't wait to spend our last few weeks together and I pray I'll visit you all at school.
To me:
Thank you for being open to all the possibilities this summer presented. Thank you for always saying yes to adventure and for stepping out of your comfort zone. I am so proud of you for doing things you'd never previously do and for growing in ways you never knew you could. Yourindependence and courage is why these experiences are always positive. Your outgoing nature has given you lifelong friendships and has nourished old ones. Thank you for taking the opportunity to be away from home. I can't wait to see how your next adventure plays out—I’m just glad that I’ll be there for it.
