As some of you may or may not know, I graduated from SDSU this Spring, and technically I'm no longer the "intern," however; I figured I could write you all one last message and leave you with some pearls of wisdom.
As you all prepare to embark on this crazy journey, take a deep breath, and prepare for the whirlwind that is the Hansen Summer Institute. Without a doubt, this experience will change your life. Take pictures and live in the moment because this is such a meaningful experience, and once the program ends, you will wish you had paid more attention to every minute detail.
Don't sweat the small stuff, and keep disagreements to a minimum. You will find many things to disagree about, but you will find so many more that you agree on. Although many of your countries have been fighting for centuries, you may find that your differences fall by the wayside after this spectacular program. You will make lifelong friends during this program. Keep in touch.
Stay up late discussing politics, family, or whatever you choose. Get to know each and every participant in the program. But don't stay up too late, because the program is quite rigorous. I can tell you that coffee will be your friend by the end of this program.
Do your best to abide by the rules and the code of conduct, they are there for a reason and really do serve your best interests. Be kind to Bonnie and Ron and the two graduate assistants, they have worked so hard and this program really is their pride and joy.
Most of all, I encourage you to be brave. Try things you never could have envisioned yourself doing before. Share a secret about yourself. Be strong and make this program worthwhile, because you will truly get out of it what you put into it.
Good luck to all of you, I wish you only the best. Hopefully, I will get to pop in sometime during the program. Safe travels, and again good luck!
Anna
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