University of Guelph Bacterial Genomics Day 35: SSP One Last Time
After an unforgettable talent show night (unforgettable because of Basant and I’s IMPECCABLE magic show), capped off with Oscar’s beautiful speech and Ken’s bittersweet video on our time here at SSP, the inevitable finally arrived: our final day.
Our day started off normal like always, with Basant and I sleeping through our alarms, skipping breakfast, and scrambling to reach the lecture hall before we were TOO late. Once we arrived, we touched up our manuscripts and sat there doing a bunch of surveys that I won’t bore you with.
After the three hour long survey, it was time for one of my favorite parts of the day: lunch. I decided to get a double smashed burger with swiss cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms, pickles, lettuce, all dressed up with some garlic aioli. On the side I had beef stew and a Tim Horton’s honey crueller with an ice cold water (as you can see I was pretty hungry). I then went to Starbucks to get a venti matcha to bring a close to this meal. Everything was DELICIOUS and this was the perfect last lunch at SSP.
After lunch I had to head over to the foosball table with Basant to decimate him one last time. Let’s just say there was a decimation but I was the victim!!!! (He won 8-0 FOUR TIMES IN A ROW). Anyways, it was now back to the lecture room for more surveys that I, again, won’t bore you with.
Next on my schedule was a championship game: Basant and I had to face off one last time in Basketball Stars. It was a seven game series; the winner took all bragging rights. I used Stephen Curry (my GOAT before Jalen Brunson obviously), and he used Kyrie Irving (decent I guess). It was like the 2022 NBA Finals of the Golden State Warriors against the Boston Celtics, only this time it was MUCH more intense and there were WAY higher stakes. I mean whoever won got to go home knowing they were better than the other. It started off really rough for me with Basant taking the first three games. All he needed was one more game to win the series, but I’m clutch and he’s a choker. SO, I ended up taking the next FOUR games in a row and crowned myself the best Basketball Stars player to ever live.
Labcoat signing time! This was truly a melancholic event, with each signature solidifying distinct memories. As I walked around and signed others lab coats, I was reminded of how special everyone here truly was, yet how well we all worked cohesively. Each memory written on my lab coat made me laugh, especially the ones talking about the time I almost burned down the kitchen (remember to put water in your ramen before microwaving). This was an amazing part of the day that I will cherish forever.
Next was dinner, and I was honestly so full that I didn’t eat much (I also don’t quite remember what I ate…). But, more interestingly, after that was the PLATES AWARDS. Every person got a plate that represents something unique about them. I got… Big New York Energy!
Our story then ended at the lounge. I made ramen again, CORRECTLY this time (with water and some supervision); it was really good. I just sat there, talking, reflecting, taking a short break to compare heights with TA Evelyn. She says she’s taller but I am. I had a final late night talk with TA Faizaan about New York and shawarma. And, all of a sudden, it was 11:30. Our last day was over; SSP was over.
Even though, let’s just say our night didn’t end just yet… that’s unfortunately all I have for August 31st. Our last day of SSP.
Thank you to Dr. Messner, Dr. Fletcher, and Dr. Correa for being the funniest and absolute best mentors, guiding us through this journey. Thank you to Ms. Sapkota for all the ramen and being an amazing site director. Shoutout to TA Faizaan for being like a funny older brother, TA Evelyn for her humor and view on my non-profit, TA Jasmine for having such genuine energy, and TA Sam for his wise words and perspective on life. Shoutout to Basant for being the best roommate I could ever ask for (run it back at Brown). And finally, thank you to the 2026 SSP Guelph Bacterial Genomics Cohort for this AMAZING SUMMER!!!
Signing off,
Gavin
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Gavin
SSP Participant
Hey! I’m Gavin from Queens, New York and I’m a rising Senior at Brooklyn Technical High School. In my free time, I love trying new food places and boba shops throughout NYC. I also love playing basketball with friends and just walking around in general. In terms of academics, I enjoy the intersection of science and business; I hope to run a startup when I grow older! SSP was genuinely so fun this year and to anyone debating if they should apply, GO APPLY!
