As our incredible journey at this summer school draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of knowledge and memories we’ve gathered here. From quantum fields to quantum friends, it’s been an enlightening experience, quite literally!

We kicked off with Professor Anthony Zee’s electrifying lecture on the ten fundamental ideas of theoretical physics. Who knew that such complex concepts could be so captivating? Then, Dr. Hong Ding took us deeper into the quantum realm with his insights on quantum computing, while Professor Lai Dong’s astrophysics discussions had us all staring a bit longer at the night sky. And let’s not forget Professor Michael Musolf’s deep dive into particle physics, enriching our minds with every subatomic detail.

But let’s be real—while the lectures were fascinating, there were moments when the laws of physics seemed less challenging than waking up early after a night spent debating whether quantum field theory or quantum mechanics had the upper hand. (And no, despite the rumors, those late nights were definitely not spent partying. Right?)

Yet, what truly made this summer school unique weren’t just the lectures—it was all of you. The friendships forged across continents, the shared laughter in the halls, and the endless nights of passionate discussions about everything from the theoretical underpinnings of quantum entanglement to the latest episode of your favorite series.

One of my most memorable conversations took place with Florian in the Physics Lounge, where we discussed how simply altering the linear combination of two particles could yield maximum entanglement—the famed Bell state. Dialogues like these not only broadened my academic horizons but also deepened my understanding of diverse worldviews. Equally memorable were the hours spent chatting with my roommate, where we explored everything from the differences in physics education between China and the U.S. to the intricate behavior of the ‘e vector’ when quantizing a field.

This summer also gave me the extraordinary opportunity to explore physics in China. From touring cutting-edge labs like a synchrotron facility to a topological quantum computing lab, I gained insights into the vibrant scientific community here. The chance to speak with researchers who are at the forefront of science was nothing short of inspiring.

These are the moments, the connections, and the memories that I will carry with me for years to come.

As we prepare to say goodbye to this enriching summer school, let us take a moment to reflect on what we have gained and the indelible impressions we leave with. It was here among these halls, here among these minds, here among these rising stars of physics that we found more than knowledge—we found a community.

Here, we embraced the spirit of Tsung Dao Lee, whose groundbreaking contributions to physics challenge us to look beyond the surface, to question the fundamental nature of the universe. Inspired by his legacy, we didn’t just absorb knowledge; we lived physics in its most thrilling form. Here, our debates didn’t just challenge our intellects; they changed our perspectives. And here, our connections grew into collaborations that will propel us toward future discoveries.

So, as we move forward, let’s carry this spirit with us. Let’s take the curiosity that was nurtured here, the bonds that were strengthened here, and the dreams that were kindled here, and let them guide our paths in science and beyond.

Remember, as we leave here, we don’t just leave with memories; we leave with a mission. A mission to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and explore the unknown. Let the spirit of this summer school be the quantum superposition of our future endeavors, where possibilities are boundless and probabilities are ours to calculate.

Here’s to the lectures, the laughter, and the late nights. Here’s to the knowledge gained and the friendships formed. Here’s to us, the quantum friends, embarking from here to everywhere.