WHAT A WEEK. As I awaken from the much-needed nap after graduation, I’m finding it difficult to recall what happened earlier in the week. However, three things are certain. This week was incredibly fun, busy, and unfortunately, this week brings us to the end of our time together. Instead of dwelling on this fact or providing a daily rundown like how I usually write my reflections, I want to give one last message to whoever is reading this– my friends, peers, professors, admin, and anyone who stumbled across this website.
Five Fridays ago, I was filled with anticipation. I’d been on summer break for a week and I was becoming bored from being at home all day. As the weekend progressed and Monday got closer, my anticipation began to transition into nerves. What if I don’t make any friends? What if the program is too difficult? What if everyone else is way smarter than me? Well, I was right to worry about this one because everyone was incredibly creative and intelligent, but I found that all of our brains, voices, and egos in one room was a life-altering experience.
I made one friend on the first day, two more on the second, and two more on the third day. By the end of the first week, I knew which group of friends I wanted to stay close to, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to meet the 20 other wonderful people in the room as well. As the days progressed, it became easier to start conversations, jump into discussions (academic and not academic), and get involved in the program some more.
If you’d asked me a year ago if I’d go to SCHOOL in the summer where excelling meant SOCIALIZING for FOUR weeks straight, I’d say you’re as crazy as Lebron James continuing to play basketball pushing 40. Not only did I get out of my comfort zone, I formed some of the most authentic relationships.
To Brittany and Karen, it is a testament to your character that you guys were able to have food arrive, have speakers arrive, and have us always doing something fun and intriguing when I can’t even remember to wash the dishes half of the time. You guys are extraordinary people, and I loved every conversation we had.
To both Professor Lopez, you guys inspired and gave me the confidence to go out and do something in the world. Rogelio mentioned that you don’t need a media center or a production crew to put out a podcast. Allan said you need to advocate for yourself because you’re either going to benefit from it or be in the same position as before– there’s nothing to lose from speaking up. I’m extremely grateful for your time and extensive insight into what you guys study, research, and publish year after year.
To every single student along side me in the program, thank you for making these four weeks incredible. From hanging out in Little Tokyo to exploring USC’s facilities (don’t go to the fourth floor of Leavey), every moment was an incredibly fun one. You’re ambitions, personalities, and work ethics have inspired me in numerous ways, and I can’t wait to see what change we’ll all create. I know most of you guys are seniors, so I wish y’all the absolute best in the application process (tell me how it goes).
Signing out (for now),
Brian Winbush
Communicating Change 