
Two Weeks of Summer Break?
Like the majority of my class, I am now back on campus for sophomore summer, with a new room, new classes, but the same old classmates (fellow '21s). Here are a few things I did over my “summer break” before returning for school, and one thing I wished I had done:
- No. 1
Let's Go to the Beach
The only real trip I went on was to Sandy Point Beach for a day with my family. Besides sunbathing and watching my new-fangled guilty pleasure (Love Island), I started a book by Margaret Atwood, Alias Grace. I bought it last term after her public talk and did not have the time to open it until I got home for break. I’m still working on it – it’s a fascinating novel based on a true story, but rather different from The Handmaid’s Tale.
- No. 2
Homemade Smoothies
Missing Collis smoothies had me making my own smoothies at home! Collis smoothies are one of my favorite Dartmouth Dining Service (DDS) snacks/drinks because you can personalize them and select from different fruits, juices, milk, and even protein or chia additions. This summer, the Hop dining hall is closed but luckily, Collis is still open. During the summer, usually, one or the other does not open just because there are not that many students on-campus.
- No. 3
Reading
I also read Educated by Tara Westover, a recommendation from my older sister. I couldn’t believe how captivating and intense a lot of stories from her life were and I ended up finishing the book in a few hours. I was reminded of how lucky I am to have received an education from a young age, and especially continuing to do so here at Dartmouth.
- No. 4
Ah, Dreaded Planning
The not-so-fun part involved finally beginning to apply to internships for next winter, which will be my off-term. I mostly applied to research positions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is very close to where I live. I hope to be conducting statistical/data analysis work on global health research. I also had to start cementing what classes I will take and when over the next two years in order to make sure that I complete my majors and distributive requirements on time.
- No. 5
Strips
Finally, one thing that I did not do but wish I had was Strips, aka sophomore trips! Just like First-Year Trips, Strips brings small groups of students together on outdoor activities for a few days. I have friends who did canoeing, mountain biking, and cabin camping. All of them really enjoyed their time and a few even said it was better than First-Year Trips. I wish I had signed up, but it had just escaped my mind and at the same time, I had really appreciated the last few days of the break at home because that’s when my siblings had finished school and we could spend a lot of time together.