Because the Chesick Scholar group is so diverse, discussions were rich in differing backgrounds and opinions. Though we didn’t have the same position on certain issues, everybody’s voice was always heard. Additionally, I learned more about issues I wasn’t very knowledgeable about, such as cultural appropriation. I still have a lot of learning to do about social justice, but this summer offered me an initiation to four more years of critical thinking. One type of these discussions will continue being prominent during my time at Haverford: Quaker Meetings.

Quaker Meetings give students the opportunity to voice their thoughts in an accepting student group. These meetings usually run one to two hours and offer the chance to speak about anything that is on their mind whenever the “spirit moves them.” There’s something special about these meetings and that’s that we were not afraid to be vulnerable. Sometimes tears are shed, but what’s beautiful is that you have a supportive group of peers to help you. These Quaker meetings helped us become closer to each other and contributed to the feeling of family.

Even though I loved every single aspect of the Chesick Summer Institute (even the late nights held to finish homework), the best part of being a Chesick is forming a second family in the span of five weeks. Though we were strangers at the beginning of the summer, by the end of it, we had become a family. At first, I was afraid that I had made the wrong choice in colleges and that I should have stayed in my home state instead.

But my fellow Chesick Scholars showed me that Haverford is where I belong; they made Haverford feel like home. I knew that if I was struggling with course material, I could turn to them for help. And whenever we were struggling with personal issues, we could turn to each other for comfort and moral support. This summer also showed me that even though we were busy with our coursework, we could also afford to have fun. From our late night water gun fights to our intense Mafia games, there was never a dull moment with my Chesick family. And that’s what made my summer so special.

Our shenanigans drew us closer together, in a way that I never thought possible. College may seem intimidating, but with a group like this, I am not afraid anymore. Though we will be engaging in different courses and living in different halls this fall, I know that they are people I can count on. And they can count on me as well. We’ll make new friends and lead different lives, but at the end of the day, we are family and I am confident we will continue this strong bond through our Haverford careers.

The summer might be over, but the memories I made during the Chesick Scholar Summer Institute will always be in my heart. From the river rafting to the late night study sessions, I enjoyed my time to the fullest as a Chesick. This is only the beginning of the next four years as a Chesick, and I am excited for the opportunities that the program will bring me. So ultimately, if you meet a Chesick V Scholar, expect to meet an amazing, diverse, and brilliant individual that will make your college experience a great one, just like they have made the beginning of my experience simply amazing.