The Greatest Triple Birthday (Purdue Biochem I Day 26 — Sebastian)
What’s up SSP. As week 4 here is coming to a close, I have the honor of writing the blog today, so I’ll just jump right into it. The morning started off pretty calm as I chose to wake up a little early to head to breakfast. Since it was a national holiday, the dining hall was closed but thankfully our staff hosted a mini breakfast that we all got to enjoy. I ate some fruit, yogurt, and probably one too many chocolate chip muffins but it was a great way to start off my day with a good meal. Also, a ladybug randomly appeared on me as we were all eating so that was kinda cool.
After breakfast, we all began working on our research papers. Yesterday we’d finally finished our actual lab work, so we’ve been organizing all of our experiments and results into one big final report. My group has had a few slip ups throughout the entire process, and we also weren’t the best with keeping a fully organized lab notebook so writing stuff out was a little harder than it could’ve/should’ve been. I’d say it was pretty productive though because by lunch, we had solidified our introduction and got pretty close to solidifying our materials and methods.
One of the most locked-in instances of Group 11 so far
By around noon, it was time for lunch so Emery, some faculty and I helped bring in our Jersey Mikes sandwiches. More than that though, there was an undercover operation going to surprise our Academic Director Dr. Das, since it was his birthday. Last night, my roommate and a few other people stayed up and made him some rice, curry, and even a cake. We ended up having an incredible lunch and I’m sure Dr. Das had an incredible birthday surprise.
After a very fulfilling lunch, my group and a few others stayed back to continue working on our paper. Unfortunately, we weren’t nearly as productive as in the morning. Our brains were a little fried to say the least. We sat with some members from group 10, and our conversations drifted from very scientific to not so scientific – something which we may slightly regret as we could get behind on our work, but it was a great time so I’m content.
Group 11 (and 10)’s slow descent into post lunch madness
Sometime during this period, I facetimed my little sister Sophia to wish her a happy birthday. It was my first time being away for her birthday so I felt a little bad but she didn’t seem to mind my absence too much and I signed her card before I left so I think it all played out ok.
The coolest newly 12 year old sister in town.
A little bit after all of that happened, I got a call from my friend Aubrey telling me I had to get to the kitchen ASAP. Turns out, he felt bad he ate the last chocolate chip muffin before me (even though I had already eaten more than enough) and to make it up to me, he made me some patriotic cookies. After hearing this wonderful news, I made my way back to the dorms pronto so I could taste them. With every single bite, I could taste freedom and America.
Aubrey and some delicious freedom cookies
Next, we made our way back to our dorms and got ready for a fun evening. We all had to put on our most patriotic outfits, but the best outfit award easily went to Chen-Ray.
The Proudest American there is
In honor of the 4th of July spirit, our faculty decided to throw us a big dinner cookout with the other cohorts, so I had to do some preparation. To have a little fun, I decided to let some of my friends “pretty me up” for dinner. My friend Alyssa tried her best to style my hair and my friend and labmate Victoria made sure my eyelashes were as curly as they could be. Ultimately, I’d say they didn’t do too bad of a job.
Getting ready for a night filled with American fun
After all of that, we made our way over to the dinner park. It was a dinner filled with great sports, laughs, food, and bonding between all of the different Summer Science Programs going on here at Purdue. I’m sure all of the students and staff had a blast, because I know I sure did.
Summer Science Program 4th of July Purdue Cookout – 2025
Once our stomachs were all filled, our staff walked us over to a good place to watch the fireworks. I’m not sure what the place is called, but I know it was a trek filled with funny phone calls, suspicious owls, and a lot of steps.
An impatient pack trying to cross the road, Anish taking a totally real phone call, and a not at all out of place owl perched on a rooftop.
When we finally made it to our destination, I realized it was worth the walk – there was a radiance of American pride that was almost infatuating, but it was great to see many different people united and celebrating being in the same nation. There was a giant band and chorus, some good food and drinks, and we even found another Purdue program where Gabriel was finally able to meet his first Moldovan in America. It was a great place to explore, and I’m glad we had some free time before the sunset where we were able to take in everything Lafayette had to offer.
A fun evening exploring Lafayette’s 4th of July Fair
Once it was 9:45, we all met back on the bridge and watched the fireworks. At first I thought it was a little bland and uneventful, but then the real show started and it was a great sight to see. As I was watching, I started thinking about the time I’ve had at SSP so far, and how I can make the most of what little time we have left. I’m glad today was such a fun day and we were able to celebrate so many great things. Thanks everyone for reading and most importantly happy birthday Dr. Das, happy birthday Sophia, and happy birthday America 🦅🥳.
A Great SSP Fireworks Celebration
Sebastian is currently a rising senior from Southwest Florida. In his free time, he enjoys practicing his saxophone and bass clarinet, spending time with family, exploring local parks, and hanging out with friends. In the future, Sebastian hopes to study Environmental Engineering and possess a government role where he can advocate for oceanic preservation.