Despite its mere 5 week duration, the the 100th summer of Exeter has already sprouted several romantic relationships. Among them are two couples who met in the first week of camp. Juan Jose Attias and Manuel Garcia, a pair of 16-year-old best friends from the Dominican Republic, respectively met 16-year-old Amelia Tsopela from Greece and 15-year-old Marguerite Thomas from France. They spend most of their free-time enveloped in swinging hammocks or within the lively clamour of the Grill.
The Summer Times interviewed each of them individually about their relationships, and compiled their responses to each question.
Part I
Amelia Tsopela (Milly)
How did you meet?
Leadership, I walked inside and saw him on the other side of the room and he smiled and we talked after class. We officially talked on the third day because we had the same answers.
What attracted you to him?
I don’t know. His smile, his brilliance – he’s intelligent. He’s just a very handsome person.
Will you continue dating after this camp?
I hope, but it’s really bad because we’re on the other side of the world.
How does he make you feel?
Valued, safe. Very happy. He shares a lot of common interests so we can communicate because he understands me. He makes me happy because he’s a ray of sunshine.
How has he changed your time at Exeter?
He filled it with intellectually stimulating conversation. Lots of smiles. He made me feel like I’m home even though I’m thousands of miles away.
What are you looking for in this relationship?
Being with him. Enjoying as much time as I can with him because he makes me immensely happy.
Juan Jose A.
How did you meet?
I met her [and] I noticed her [because] she was the brightest person in my leadership class. I thought I could not stand a chance.
What attracted you to her?
Her beauty and fierce intelligence.
How does she make you feel?
I’ve always been good at putting my feelings onto paper, but it’s indescribable. There’s just too much of her to put into words. I love her too much. It’s too much.
How has she changed your time here at Exeter?
I truly never felt happier ever, anywhere I’ve been.
What are you looking for in this relationship?
Nothing. I’ve already found it all in this relationship. Being with her teaches me that there is somebody out there for everyone. You are not alone.
Will you continue dating after summer session is over?
Hopefully. I will try my hardest.
Part II
Marguerite Thomas
How did you meet?
On the first night, I was with my cousin and a guy [named] Josh. My cousin wanted to find a guy friend for Josh and she bumped into Manuel, Juan, and David. [She] asked [them] to sit with us. On Wednesday, we started talking everyday for 2 hours and we got to know each other.
What attracted you to him?
He is such a great person. Very nice, open to people. When we started talking, we clicked.
How does he make you feel?
When I’m around him, I feel happy. He makes me smile and laugh a lot. I can talk to him about everything.
How has he changed your time here at Exeter?
Before meeting him, I spent a lot of time at the library. But he’s the one telling me “don’t, it’s summer,” so now I’m working [on homework] until 12.
What are you looking for in this relationship?
Not really a summer fling. I wasn’t in Exeter [for a] fling. But now that I’ve met him, I want to spend time with him. I love spending time with him.
Will you continue dating after summer session is over?
I know it’s sad, but I don’t think so because he lives in DR and it’s a 10 hour flight from France.
Manuel Garcia
How did you meet?
Her cousin came up to me and asked us if we wanted to sit with them. I saw the nerdy girl to my left and we started talking. (Nerdy girl was Marguerite).
What attracted you to her?
She likes anime, and we have deep conversations.
How does she make you feel?
Happy. Hopeful.When I have a [bad] day and then see her, I immediately get happy.
How has she changed your time here at Exeter?
I didn’t skip class. Now I skip class… I spend less time with my friends, but I’m still happy.
What are you looking for in this relationship?
To be less proud, to be less shallow.
Will you continue dating after summer session is over?
NO…yes actually.