Farewell, Friends

As I sit here the last night of COSMOS (trying to pack my bags), I still remember the very first day. As the car drives into Pangea Parking Structure, all of us are a bit nervous and excited: we have no idea what to expect. Slowly, we take out each bag one by one, and head over to the check in desk. They ask us our name, give us lanyards, and our keys. Again, nervously we walk up the stairs and into our dorm rooms...

As we meet our roommates, we start to adjust and develop a "brotherhood." From the first day with the circles game, to Knotts, and to the Zoo, our bonds grow and grow. And then we have reached the end of the ride, or Today. It has been one ride which we can never forget and is filled with memories of laughters, tears, jokes, frustration, and of course, fun.

This experience has been wonderful, and I would consider it one of the best summers of my life. That one February day was probably one of my luckiest, because I learned about COSMOS and it led me here: an unforgettable adventure. This memorable adventure will stay with me forever, and I hope that our legacy will go on. I want to wish everyone good luck in the future, and look forward to meeting each and every one of you wherever, whenever.

I would like to express my greatest appreciation and gratitude to the entire COSMOS faculty for making this program so successful. The RAs made our stay here enjoyable and help us take a break from a work filled routine. Thank you so much, and I am sure all of the students feel the same way.

My professors, Dr. Rajesh Gupta and Dr. Choon Kim, Teacher Fellow Ms. Shirley Miranda, and Assistants Mr. Arash Arfaee and Ms. Bridget Benson, were all a tremendous help and thank you for your efforts, time, and being wonderful friends/mentors. We could not have done it without you.

In addition, I would like to congratulate all the groups, presentors, and award recipients for their marvelous work. In the end, as Dr. Tu mentioned, I am looking forward to returning home to my family and friends, but I will miss everyone here, and hope to stay in touch.

As our paths diverge, and we go different ways, I am certain that the memories and experience will help us along the way, and give us a smile on our face every so often. Along with learning amazing topics in science, math, technology, and engineering, we also now have a taste of college life and improved social skills. Everything combined, this was one heck of a ride, and if I were to rate it, it would clearly be two thumbs up!

All in all, I would just like to say one last good bye to everyone:

Farewell, Friends.