Having endured various planes, trains, buses, and customs officers who don't believe me when I say I'm 19 and instead ask to see parent-signed papers saying that I'm allowed to travel alone, I am finally back at MIT and all settled in to my new room. Last year's non-existent view of the Charles River has been replaced by a partial one that I can glimpse if I look out my window and to the left; if I look straight ahead, all I see is McCormick's west tower. Not quite as scenic.

Already, I'm sinking into my MIT routine, having done laundry once (be impressed!), as well as having visited the professor I'll be UROP-ing with this upcoming semester. It's so nice to be back; I didn't quite have a whole lot of time to think about MIT while traveling about during the summer. But now that I'm here, I've realized that I've missed this place. Coming back to Boston feels like coming home.

And yet, it's Boston that I'll be leaving tomorrow, as I pack my bags for what seems like the hundredth time this summer and head off to what I think will be one of the best weeks of my life. Camp Kesem kicks off tomorrow at 8 am, and I'm so excited about it!! I've pseudo-met my campers via a brochure that was sent out, detailing their individual profiles. I'm part of the camp group called the Egyptians; we're definitely going to be the most awesome group at camp =P Sorry, Spartans/Aztecs/Greeks/Vikings!

These past few days, spent preparing for the arts/crafts portion of camp, have kicked up memories of my February CK counselor interview. I remember being asked what I was most worried or scared about when it came to Camp Kesem. At that time, I responded that I wasn't sure if I could handle the emotional side of camp. Each and every child at Camp Kesem has at least one parent who has or has had cancer, and I was and still am afraid that if these kids confide in me, I won't know how to respond or won't be able to keep from tearing up. The follow-up question to this during the interview was how I'd handle this situation if it should occur, to which I said that I would that I would simply listen, be there for the camper, and save my bawling for later. Fingers crossed that I'm able to do that. I cry pretty easily - sad movies and books have an unseemly amount of control over me and my tear ducts.

It might help if I go to the LSC (Lecture Series Committee) screening of Date Night tonight, just to offset the danger of crying in favor of crinkly laugh lines. The LSC puts on several movies throughout the school year, many of which - like today's screening - are free. I'm a fan of both Steve Carell and Tina Fey and have wanted to see Date Night for such a long time. Tonight's my chance, yayy!!

Prepare yourselves for a giant entry the in a week or so. When I come back from Camp Kesem, I promise I'm going to have tons to say :)