I don't think that there is any true way to describe the summer of 1996 for the 26 high school students (myself included) who spent seven weeks at Boston University. Participating in the research was only the begining. In spite of working at least nine to five every day, we still had time to make new friends and have new experiences. This often came at the cost of sleep, though I don't think anyone really minded. The following pictures, etc., can only begin to describe the type of summer that we had...

We arrived on June 23. A little weary from travel, perhaps, but everyone seemed to arrive okay. The first week was definately the hardest, as we all continued to get lost time and time again. We were all lucky enough to find the cafeteria that first night. At first, the rooms weren't that bad, the food was okay, and all was well. In spite of the fact that we didn't know each other, we seemed to be settling in. While some spent their free time reading and such, others seemed to have more interesting hobbies...

Then, of course, there was the fourth of July. Wasn't that an experience. We had all been looking forward to a wonderful day at the park. Hanging out, throwing a frisbee, eating, and just enjoying the view--until it began to rain. The rain just kept coming, but that didn't stop us. We were determined to see those fireworks. I mean, how often does one get to see THE fireworks display on the fourth? Not often. So we waited,

in the rain. And even though there were only three umbrellas, we somehow managed to survive...

And what better place to make you feel young again, than the Children's Museum? We probably had more fun than anyone else. From making us feel like kids to participating in a game show, we all had a lot of fun.

Then there was the trip to Woods Hole. Getting up that early was the hardest part (8:00 a.m. is just WAY too early) but we managed to have an enjoyable day. After lectures on scrumping and other such facts, we headed to the ocean. Group photo's were had by all, of course...

Then came the Aquarium. And again it rained. So much for the freedom trail! (Though most didn't seem to mind.) The next day was beautiful, though. Just perfect for a picnic at the Public Gardens. What's better than hanging around in a park on a warm, sunny day?

And for those of us that went to Rockport, that is a day that we can't forget! I don't think that I have ever seen so many candy shops in one place in my life. Good thing, because the food at Warren was beginning to look a little bleak. And who can forget the trip to Singing Beach? Well, everyone, because it didn't happen. Weren't Liz and Mark glad no one showed up.

Then came the Red Sox game...and more rain. It seemed that every time we had to do something, all we got was more and more rain! But I guess that's what we get for coming to Boston.

July 27, and time for the Museum of Science. What a better place to go for a bunch of science geeks? From discussing the fractal nature of the lightening show to finally getting Jennifer to say "Ben", we enjoyed ourselves thouroughly.

Blue Man Group. What more can I say? That was definately a sight to see. But I can't say any more, just go see for yourself.

By now, all were tired of the Warren Towers food. You can only eat pasta for so long. So began the many outings to whatever food restaurant we could find that wouldn't eat up all our money as well. From Skipjack's to frequent runs to McDonalds, somehow we survived, though several times some were running home as not to be late for curfew.

Then came the last scheduled activity of the summer--The Fine Arts Museum. For those who stayed, they really got a treat, for the variety of art was wonderful. Not to mention the huge museum store. And it seems that we have a few budding artists ourselves as the following picture was produced just a few days later. Though we are having trouble determining just who is in the picture, we know that the artist is terrific.

And what summer would be complete without a little romance? Not ours, at least, for during the seven weeks, several people seemed to get awfully close. First there was Ben and Christine, then Geraldine and Dave...

Or was that Christine and Geraldine and Ben and Dave? Who knows! And then there was Steve and Sarina, Mike and Emily, and Jennifer and Tevin. And you never know, there are still a few days left....

So goes our story. And all that we have left will be the memories and these pictures to keep our many friendships alive. Enjoy!