As I peer out the passenger seat window, I begin to see one of the world’s most iconic skylines take shape. The air is thick. It’s summertime in New York City. The city I have dreamt of making my home since middle school is now exactly that. I become flooded with emotions ranging from gratitude to excitement to anxiety about whether Lorne and Bailey are gonna go for the hug or handshake upon our introduction. I step through the door of our summer housing and receive the type of embrace only lifelong friends would exchange. It is in this moment I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
“While there is no way to predict exactly what lies within the next eight weeks, I know the person I will become along the way is different from the girl who is currently writing this blog post. And let me just say, I can’t wait to meet her.”
Flashback to December 2016. After the initial disbelief of earning one of the 25 highly coveted spots in the Manhattan Sports Business Academy, my thoughts immediately turned to my fellow classmates. In the months leading up to what will undoubtedly be the best summer of my life, my mind often wandered to MSBA and who else will be partaking in this experience. Every time this occurred, I felt an overwhelming sense of confidence these complete strangers will surely become lifelong friends and sources of inspiration.
On night one, we gather together in the library of our housing complex. For the next eight weeks, this cozy green room will be the grounds of thoughtful conversation, collective laughter, and—most importantly—growth. One by one, we introduce ourselves and share where we will be completing our summer internships. This is when it hits me that this is not an ordinary group of people. These are risk takers, dreamers, and doers. For the sake of squeezing in a sports reference, this is not a group who sits on the sidelines. This is a group who steps up to the plate. This is a group of team captains.
As the night draws to a close, I am on fire. Literally. My lips are burning and my eyes are watering from participating in a Scorpion Rum wing eating relay with people I met just a few hours ago. Any apprehensions I may have had coming into the summer have been relieved, and nothing but excitement remains within me. While there is no way to predict exactly what lies within the next eight weeks, I know the person I will become along the way is different from the girl who is currently writing this blog post. And let me just say, I can’t wait to meet her.