This past summer for me was so memorable. It was honestly one of the best summers yet. It started off with a family trip to Bermuda with my grandparents and cousins. This was our first time going to Bermuda since COVID, so it felt almost nostalgic to be there. Getting quality time with my family brought back so many feelings and memories that I had not felt in a long time. I also worked two jobs over the summer. I worked at Ocean Beach five days a week being a camp counselor to 8-year-olds. Although the days could be long, I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world as I got to learn so much about caring for children. I also worked as a lifeguard at the Babylon Yacht Club in West Islip. Lifeguarding has always been a passion of mine. I genuinely enjoy keeping the pool a safe environment. When it came to spending time with friends, I truly tried to squeeze out every last moment. My friends over these last few years have really become a second family to me and it really is a bittersweet time in all our lives as we are starting the process of moving on to the next chapter of our lives. Although I have faith, we will all continue to be friends for many years to come, this summer for me was about making irreplaceable memories with them while we are all still kids. Right before school started, I turned eighteen which to me symbolizes the start of the end for me as a student at BHS. Although I still have a lot of growing up to do, I have started the process of becoming my own person as an adult. When I want to remember all the good times I had with friends in high school, I do not have to look any further than the summer of ’24.