After a little over a week at SSP, our astrophysics cohort was excited to go on our first field trip. So after a rare late morning and some competitive ping pong and pool, we boarded a bus. Everything was great. Then, someone asked where Andrew was.
After a record-breaking bed-to-bus time from him, movie watching, gaming competitions, and quiz bowl tournaments ensued as we traveled to tour Kia’s factory. When we arrived, we toured the plant and saw the incredible robots and complex assembly process that goes into building every car there. One thing that stuck out to me was the adaptability of the assembly line, functional for many gas car models and even an EV car as well. It could mold to the changes that come with time.
On our way back, bus-wide karaoke broke out. Childhood classics and new hits blasted for an hour as people sang, talked, and enjoyed snacks. We ended the bus ride singing country roads and sweet Caroline. When we got back, the fun continued as we went to the rec room for a dominos pizza night (which featured pineapple pizza despite vocal opposition to it). Afterwards was study time, as we worked on wrapping up our third PSET.
This far into SSP, what I’ve learned is that it’s more than an educational experience, though I’ve certainly learned a ton. It’s also more than just a research experience, though we’ve already begun observation sessions on our asteroids and will have determined their orbits in just a few short weeks. SSP is so special because of how it creates friendships through encouraging us to work together on PSETs, go together on field trips, and spend evening hours together in the rec room. So far, the best part was indeed the friends we made along the way.
-Devan
