Words are supposed to be able to describe the feelings of the individual and those ideas which they are trying to convey. On the contrary, I find that mere words do not adequately portray my experiences nor do they shed even the slightest light on the feelings and emotions I felt during this time away from home. Freedom, giddy elation, and responsibility are three words that I think might be the best at trying to pinpoint and elucidate my actual sentiments. Seeing as I lead a stricter life than most, freedom to do what I wanted when I wanted (within reason, of course) was almost too much too bear. It is similar to trying to understand the birth of a child or counting the stars, it is a feeling too immense to understand. I was finally in my element, and able to let loose and relax. Although I think that I might have over done it, I regret nothing and would do it over (even with the sleep deprivation). Since I immensely enjoy meeting new people, I feel as though connecting to people on a deeper level will be my sole contribution to this world I want to use this as often and as outrageously as I can. I guess this is my mantra to life and can be summed up by the quote I made up while talking to Caitlin Sheley, one of the RTA's. "When you are born, the doctor cuts your umbilical cord therefore you should live no strings attached."
- Garyth Barnes
I felt that the residential component enabled me to live this out to an excess. I roomed with 3 guys that I didn't know previously, they were hilarious although I would have rather roomed with everyone in summer scholars, I had an awesome time. We made memories that will be sure to outlive us, a legacy of source passed down to our children. As far as outside commitments and juggling school and fun I failed epically. I tried my best and am doing fine but, I am still trying to get my sleep back :). I loved interacting with the other students, they all have such unique personalities and I am still trying to figure them out which is a mos enjoyable endeavor. I feel as if I have known these people my entire life! yet for only a week. I threw myself with reckless abandon into each activity, because an activity is only as good as you make it :) so I took that as a personal challenge to guarantee that everyone had an excellent time. The different flavors of the menagerie of people in this program is awesome, different backgrounds, customs, and races coming together toward a common goal of advanced education. Some feel that they do not deserve to be here but, I would speculate that they bring so much more to the table than they think and that they are apt and able to accomplish their goals for this program and in life in general. We all share the same traits though such as, tenacity, determination, and the will to excel which is half of the struggle of life already solved. I thoroughly enjoyed being around everyone and look forward to spending more time with the "Goon Squad" more often! :) until next time, Garyth Barnes over and out.
- Garyth Barnes
I felt that the residential component enabled me to live this out to an excess. I roomed with 3 guys that I didn't know previously, they were hilarious although I would have rather roomed with everyone in summer scholars, I had an awesome time. We made memories that will be sure to outlive us, a legacy of source passed down to our children. As far as outside commitments and juggling school and fun I failed epically. I tried my best and am doing fine but, I am still trying to get my sleep back :). I loved interacting with the other students, they all have such unique personalities and I am still trying to figure them out which is a mos enjoyable endeavor. I feel as if I have known these people my entire life! yet for only a week. I threw myself with reckless abandon into each activity, because an activity is only as good as you make it :) so I took that as a personal challenge to guarantee that everyone had an excellent time. The different flavors of the menagerie of people in this program is awesome, different backgrounds, customs, and races coming together toward a common goal of advanced education. Some feel that they do not deserve to be here but, I would speculate that they bring so much more to the table than they think and that they are apt and able to accomplish their goals for this program and in life in general. We all share the same traits though such as, tenacity, determination, and the will to excel which is half of the struggle of life already solved. I thoroughly enjoyed being around everyone and look forward to spending more time with the "Goon Squad" more often! :) until next time, Garyth Barnes over and out.
