I had such an amazing time at Stanford Cross Country Camp. Arriving on to campus and seeing all the other high school students who shared a common interest for running was incredible. Once everyone was assigned to their dorm and their camp groups, we headed to the track to get ready for our first run of the week. I won’t forget how exhausted I was after that first run. I was not used to running for more than three miles a day and there I was attempting to run five miles at the same pace that I usually run three miles in. However, even though that first run was hard, I felt such a great sense of accomplishment and every run from there on just kept getting easier. All of the runs the rest of that week were really great experiences but the most memorable moments from each one was running alongside other students and encouraging each other to do our best. There was always new people to meet, especially in the cafeteria, which is where most of my socializing happened. I got to meet people from all over the country and even the world. Everyone was extremely nice and had a unique life story to tell. At the end of the day, I would head back to my dorm, which I shared with two other students who I got to know a lot about during the time spent in the room. My personal favorite activity at camp, besides from running, was being able to play basketball in the pool because everyone was having a great time and on the walk back everyone who decided to go to the pool felt like they knew each other a little better. Attending Stanford Cross Country Camp was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever been given, and I won’t forget how much I enjoyed it.

Summer vacation is just a few days away, and I couldn't be more excited. I still find it hard to believe that I have been given the opportunity to spend a week at the college of my dreams. I have never been away from home by myself for this long, but I can already tell that I am going to enjoy this experience. I am really looking forward meeting new people who share a common interest. This program is bound to teach me so many new things, and I am extremely thankful for everyone who has made this possible.