The First Week: Breaking The Ice

As I drove up to the airport I didn't know what to expect: Would we get along? Would I not fit in? How would I get to know them? - Jong Choi

First day jitters: we all had them. No one knew what to expect. We hadn't got the chance to talk to each other, and time was running short as we all arrived at the airport. We had all arrived at the airport, we glanced at each other every chance we could: hoping to find out what type of people we would have to spend our entire summer with. We all exchanged some smiles, and a few informal greetings. After a couple hours waiting in the airports, and riding in the plane, we have this to remember:

No we didn't want to stand that close to each other, we were forced! Most of us didn't even remember half of the our names! But that was alright, right? After a one hour bus ride of ingratiating on the way to camp, we "sorta" knew each other: first name, school, age. That sort of stuff. For the first few days of our stay at the camp, we played a few games to get us more acquainted with each other. Yeah that's right, those dumb, childish games! But hey, they had us feeling more connected:

Well with those silly, baby games out of the way, we face the REAL challenges: The high ropes course! We were all intimidated, but our great teamwork and our incredibly quick bonding was what really got us through!

And finally, the epitome of our teamwork structure: our flag! We worked together, throwing in all our ideas (no matter how silly they might have sounded!). And sure enough, because of all of our team member's great dynamics, we had THE BEST FLAG!!!1one1

Our first week together has definitely exceeded what anyone could think 11 random people could achieve. We not only feel an outward bond with each other, but we are beginning to feel as if we are internally connected. We all trust each other, and know each other in a unspeakably, profound sense.

I personally can't wait for what is in store for us together throughout the duration of this summer, and I am sure everyone else feels the same way. I am proud to be a part of Maui No Ka Oi - HYCC - Summer 2011!

- Kieran Bhattacharya