September is typically known as the start of autumn when the colors of the leaves begin to change. Yet, it may be seen as the end of summer. Summer, a season emblematic of youth, leaves behind memories that are refreshing, yet sometimes misty and elusive. A newly coined phrase capturing this sentiment has emerged: “It was summer.” This expression serves to evoke the nostalgic recollection of summer’s fleeting moments. The Argus asked HUFSans to share their own “It was summer” episodes.

Park Sang-hyun (Dept. of Language and Trade 23)

It was June of 2021 when I was in my second year of high school. Due to COVID-19, I had to take online classes at home. This meant that there was no chance to play soccer at school. By 2022, when social distancing and the spread of COVID-19 was gradually easing, I was able to play soccer with my friends for the first time since starting high school. I felt the hot air and sweat under the sun that I had not felt for a while because I spent a long time indoors. At that moment, I had a mixed feeling of wanting to run more under the sun even though I was out of breath. This memory was summer for me.

Shin Young-hwan (Dept. of English Linguistics and Language Technology ‘23)

Last year’s heavy rain was a “summer” moment. I was studying at an academy when I received an emergency message warning of flooding. I initially thought, “There is no way it will flood.” But after leaving the academy, I was shocked by the flooding. Nonetheless, my friends and I laughed at the unexpected situation since the familiar alley we used to pass by transformed into something looking like a sea. Even when the water began to seep into the bus, I felt like I was riding a boat at an amusement park. Of course, the flood caused damage, but this day has remained as an unforgettable memory of summer.

Kim Hye-eun (Dept. of Polish ‘23)

Right after the start of this summer, I went to Tokyo. I took lots of beautiful pictures since I am the type of person who takes pictures like crazy, thinking “All that is left is pictures!” Plus, I counted on visiting a place from the movie “Suzume” near Ochanomizu Station where the trains intersect. I wanted to capture a video of all three trains passing by at once. The stone railing was boiling hot, and I waited with my phone camera ready. Though I hated the sunlight at that moment, I had no choice but to appreciate the sun’s brilliance after watching the video. It had helped to create a moment that was both visually stunning and emblematic of my summer experience.

Choi Yoon-seo (Dept. of Dutch ‘23)

An episode that epitomizes the phrase “It was summer” occurred when I met my high school friends at a waterpark this summer. We had previously visited the water park during high school, and it was striking to see how our relationships had evolved over the past five years. Back then, we were shy and awkward, finding it challenging to become close. However, as the years passed, we grew into friends joking and laughing without restraint. Reflecting on those shared moments and recognizing the depth of our connection, I was filled with the nostalgic warmth of summer.