Belated (but oh so necessary) Goodbye

Well I'm really sad this is over. I realize it ended a week ago, but I've really been missing everyone these few days wandering off to lunch alone! This was probably the greatest single experience I've had. I don't think I'll ever forget any of you, or the amazing things I've learned this summer. How many other high school kids have met a Nobel Laureate and discussed and presented advanced scientific topics to and with professors, on their level? Needless to say, our scientific experiences have been inestimably inspiring. Another aspect that struck me, however, was that this summer was also amazing in that, as high school students, we learned to work and communicate on the level of adults. The speakers, mentors, and audiences that we have met never looked down on us as kids that they have to deal with for a summer. Far from it; they showed genuine enthusiasm working with us and teaching us about their respective fields. We learned as a part of the scientific community, completely incorporated rather than temporary visitors. This, I believe, is almost quite as important as the science itself. In short, I consider the Howard Hughes Precollege Program to have been nothing short of life-changing.