Saint Vartan Camp

It may be hard to digest, but as a kid I used to be extremely quiet and shy. I always was worried about what people's views were of me, and always thought twice about my actions before anything. Yes, it is always wise to be cautious, but it definitely depends on the reasoning behind the hesitation. During gatherings or even school, it seemed to me that I expended an abundant amount of time trying to be "normal." However, during the summer of 2010 I attended a two week long Armenian summer camp located in New York with my cousins. One can imagine how nerve wrecking it can be to technically live in a bounded location with strangers whom one has never been acquainted with before. My two cousins were old enough to be councilors, forcing me to socialize and start new friendships with my age campers. It was extremely awkward, because all the campers were showering each other with hugs, expressing how much they missed one another, and updating each other about all the new gossip they may have possibly missed out on since last year. It took me about two days to finally feel comfortable and to realize that it was time for me to step out of my shell and make new friends. During breakfast, lunch, and dinner I sat with these strangers and began to start conversations, and eventually exchanged personal funny experiences and stories with one another. Sooner or later, I saw myself forming long lasting relationships with each and every one of them. Each week, each age group had to perform a small skit for the talent show. We decided to make fun of the councilors, and after our performance I finally felt the strong connection between the whole camp. It seemed to me I was no longer away from home. They became my brothers and sisters. As one week quickly flew by, we were all told to gather in one of the camp's buildings. Being my first year, I had no idea what to expect and was waiting impatiently with my friends, who come to think of it were actually quite calm compared to me. Then, I witnessed each councilor picking up a microphone and say a few heart warming words about one of their campers. After, I came to a conclusion that the councilors were passing out awards to each camper of the week.  As my councilor took that microphone from the prior speaker, she began to describe a camper who had only been attending the camp for one week. It did not take long for her to announce the name of this camper, who so happened to be me. I was honored with the award of being the camper of the week. I quickly stood up in awe, and realized that these people all have a special place in my heart. They have molded me into the person I am today. Even though, I attended this camp for two weeks, they taught me to accept myself and not care about what others may think of it. It has also helped me to be more social and outgoing. Consequently, I no longer felt the need to fit in with the norm. As Dr. Seuss once said, "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." This is the quote I live by, and because of it I live life every day without any regrets or worries.