This past week we saw the summer solstice, marking the official start of summer! My family and I spent it on the boat soaking up the extra hours of sunlight. As a graduate student who is wrapping up their program, summer represents a rare and cherished blend of opportunity and adventure. With the academic year behind me, I’m excited about a summer filled with travel and research. It’s a unique time when the constraints of coursework relax, allowing me to dive into both exploration and intellectual pursuits.
After months of intense study and deadlines, the prospect of new landscapes and familiar faces is exhilarating. My first stop is Gulf Shores Beach in Alabama, where the white sands and warm waters promise relaxation and rejuvenation. I’m looking forward to days spent soaking up the sun, enjoying beachside barbecues, and perhaps even trying my hand at paddleboarding. Afterward, I’ll be heading home to Texas to spend quality time with family and friends. There’s something wonderfully comforting about returning to the places and people that shaped me. I’m excited for home-cooked meals, catching up with childhood friends, splashing in the pool, and just enjoying the slower pace of life that home offers.
Speaking of research, this summer also provides the perfect window to make significant progress on my thesis. My research focuses on rural health and food access in isolated communities, a topic close to my heart. With classes out of the way, I can fully immerse myself in gathering data, conducting interviews, and visiting rural areas to understand the challenges these communities face. I’m particularly excited about the site visits lined up in various parts of Tennessee. These visits will not only add depth to my work but also keep my academic fire burning brightly during the break. By exploring local initiatives and speaking directly with residents, I hope to uncover practical solutions to improve health outcomes and food accessibility in these regions.
Balancing travel and research might seem daunting, but it’s all about planning and passion. I’ve set clear goals for both, ensuring that I can enjoy my adventures without compromising my academic progress. This summer, I’m not just a tourist or a student; I’m a traveler and a scholar, exploring the world and expanding my mind simultaneously. It’s the perfect way to recharge, gain new insights, and return to the next academic year recharged and ready to tackle new challenges.
How are you spending your summer?
