RSI is over. I am now so far away from the friends I saw every single day for the last six weeks, and it feels strange — and sad — not to share each day with them anymore. It took me a while to write this final entry, because I didn’t want to think about the fact that the program has ended. But before I share my closing thoughts, I’ll tell you about the last week.

Hell Week, as it’s known, was as intense as its name suggests. On Monday, everyone focused on revising their paper based on the excellent feedback we’d received, as the final version was due Tuesday. As soon as it was submitted, we turned our attention to preparing the 10-minute presentations on our projects. As I mentioned in my last entry, this was a challenge for me — I’d never had to prepare this kind of high-stakes talk before. Still, I believe I did well. I practiced multiple times with my mentor and members of his lab, with the teaching assistants, my counselor, and several students. We submitted our presentations on Wednesday and then got ready for the RSI Symposium on Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday, we listened to presentations from other RSI students. We were divided into smaller groups to make the schedule manageable, and each of us presented within our own group. Presenting was stressful, but I was happy with mine in the end — especially since I managed to stay within the time limit, which I’d struggled with in practice. It was fascinating to hear about everyone else’s projects, and the quality of the work and presentations was truly impressive. We were all in formal clothing, which gave the day a special atmosphere.

After the final group presentations on Friday morning, a Top 10 was announced. These students presented again in front of the entire program, with an external panel of judges, and the session was broadcast live. Watching them was inspiring — not just because of the quality of their research, but because they managed to explain complex, technical work in a way that was engaging for a general audience.

Later that day, we took the final RSI group photo, followed by countless pictures with friends, counselor groups, and mentors. The closing convocation included speeches, the announcement of the Top 5 papers and presentations (who received cash prizes), and the reveal of the Rickoid of the Year, voted on by the students. (“Rickoid” is what we call RSI students, a reference to Admiral Rickover, who founded the program.)

That evening, we all gathered to receive our summer books — collections of memories, inside jokes, and reflections from the program. We spent hours signing each other’s books and writing notes, while also saying early goodbyes to those leaving the next day. Many people stayed up all night; I forced myself to sleep for two hours so I could still function the following day and not miss my flight. This was the hardest part of RSI emotionally — the moment it truly sank in that it was over.

On Saturday, we waited together in Maseeh Hall as people gradually left — to the airport, train station, or by car. There were plenty of hugs and tears. I left for the airport in the early afternoon and tried to spot other RSI students there, but with no luck. Eventually, I boarded my plane and left the United States.

In my personal life that week, I slept even less than usual, but still managed to run and exercise until Wednesday, and then only ran on Thursday and Friday. There simply wasn’t time for more.

After six incredible weeks, here are my final thoughts on the Research Science Institute. RSI is a huge investment of time and energy. The application process is demanding, and preparing for the program is essential if you want to keep up. Once you’re here, the work is more intense than anything I’ve ever experienced. For the first time in my life, I had to sacrifice sleep for over a month just to keep pace. The expectations are high in every area — research, writing, presentations, and interactions with mentors and tutors. It’s exhausting.

But it’s also the most rewarding experience of my life. Like the saying about MIT students goes, we “work hard and play hard.” I will never forget the friends I made here, the things we learned together, and the moments we shared. RSI builds a community that lasts far beyond the summer — alumni keep in touch not just with their own year, but across generations of the program.

For me, RSI has been the most influential event I have ever taken part in. It taught me the value of hard work, helped me refine my priorities, and strengthened my discipline. And beyond that, it created friendships and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Aliocha Faurisson