In August of 2024, I said goodbye — through tears — to a group of incredible summer camp staff friends I made over the past three summers who live overseas.
“Don’t worry,” I told them. “I’ll come visit when I study abroad in my third year of uni.” I wasn’t quite sure if I believed myself, but I wanted to hold onto the idea that I would see these friends again some day.
One of my two CST’s from this summer was about not going back to camp for the first time in a decade. At some point I’ll finish writing about this summer, because it was very formative. But, for now, I’m thrilled to say that summer 2024 Sylvie, you did it…
Hi from Scotland! This might be the last trip I take in Europe this semester, unless my friend and I lock in and book our getaway we’ve been discussing all semester. If I do go, I won’t be able to write about it. Not until Winter Quarter. Oh my goodness, I’m returning to the quarter system soon.
I don’t want to say I saved the best trip for last, because I’ve been to some pretty awesome places and seen some pretty cool things with some pretty fun people. But, there was something really special about this weekend.
I don’t know when I’ll stop getting emotional about not having another camp summer. I don’t care how cliche this is, but I actually lost a part of myself when my friends went back to the place I know better than I know myself and I was not there with them. I kid you not, I’m so choked up right now.
I hope these girls know that now that I have visited them in their home country, they’re proper stuck with me forever. xx
Did you like my use of UK slang there? Not sure why the Brits say “xx” instead of “xo,” it’s interesting behaviour.
You may be wondering, “Shower Thoughts Girl, was it worth seeing your friends for such a short period of time knowing full well that it would be painful to have to leave?” My honest answer is, “I don’t know.”
Of course, I think opening yourself up to different walks of life makes you a better person. On the other hand, it would be a lot easier on my heart if I didn’t have so many people, and, now, places to miss all the time.
I’d like to be able to walk this line more easily, but I can’t seem to find one of those long balancing poles people hold when walking tightropes.
This weekend is coming to an end. My semester abroad is coming to an end, too. So many goodbyes and I don’t know how to count down the days until a date that is unknown.
No more jetset lifestyle, no more being on the same continent as some of my dearest friends.
And, to make matters even worse, I’m back to censoring myself Winter Quarter. I can’t believe I’m no longer going to be able to pop into my local corner store and buy a bottle of pinot grigio for five euros. Well, being legal drinking age was fun while it lasted. I’m almost there at home — kind of.
I still have more to write about from abroad, and I want to keep explaining how I’m developing Livvy and her crew. And I’m due for a RuPaul’s Drag Race installment at some point. So, as always, keep reading!
Bye, I’ll see you soon…
Sylvie Slotkin is a Medill junior and author of “Communal Shower Thoughts.” She can be contacted at [email protected] or by fax. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to [email protected]. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.
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