Boomba!
Taylor Phillips, a high school student from the Barstow School in Kansas City, wipes a tear from her eye after saying goodbye to friends made at the end of the 25th Missouri Scholars Academy on Friday night. About 400 students stood on the Quad with lit candles to remember, celebrate and honor their time together. Photo by Shane Epping.
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GUEST BLOG
June 25, 2009
Derek Byrne, Kansas City, Mo.
Thursday began like any other day at the academy. I shuffled half-asleep down the stairs to breakfast and then made my way to my major once again. Inevitably, though, the thought I had been trying to avoid crossed my mind: Tomorrow’s our last day. I was reminded of this fact in big group as we heard about the alumni association, as well as at our evening activity, a class sampler showcasing what scholars have learned in their classes over the last three weeks. Amid the human illustration of mathematical combinations and permutations, the video of a teacher searching for his “kidnapped” class and many other amusing and informative displays, a bittersweet sentiment could be felt. We all knew our lighthearted laughter would soon be replaced by tearful goodbyes.
As I sat among a group of people who were transformed in three short weeks from an assortment of unaffiliated students to a closely knit community, I thought about everything I’d had the opportunity to experience at MSA. I performed Shakespeare in the pool, discussed the concept of infinity at length and formed some incredible relationships. Later, as I began to gather the clothes lying on the floor of my dorm room, I thought about my experience at the academy and leaving it behind. Then I realized that, despite the upsetting prospect of leaving, the MSA experience isn’t over at the end of three weeks. My newfound knowledge in a multitude of subjects will serve me as I continue high school, enter college and make career choices. In addition, the friendships I have made here with intelligent, driven people will continue beyond the academy.
I’ll always look back on my three weeks here as one of the best opportunities I’ve ever been given, and anytime someone says, “Boomba!” I’ll always proudly respond, “Hey!”
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