My sophomore year at Hopkins has flown by faster than I could have imagined. Somehow, I’ve experienced new places, tasted new foods, made new friends, and fulfilled old passions all within the span of a few months. Looking back, I am so grateful for each and every person and experience in my life.
Without further ado, here are 10 photos of just a few of my favorite moments this year.
1. B-More Community Bound
This year, I started off with a full-circle experience as a pre-orientation leader for the B’more Community Bound program I participated in as an incoming first-year student. I worked with the Center for Social Concern (one of my favorite offices on campus) to share my love for this school and the city of Baltimore with a group of incoming students!
2. trying New pastries & foods
I spent a lot of time this year trying new pastries and foods in the surrounding cafes near campus. These beautiful pastries are from La Maison, a pop-up cafe that is only a 20-minute walk from campus!
3. Becoming a Christian
This was also a year of spiritual growth for me. I have the blessing of being surrounded by an amazing and supportive group of people who foster my growth in my faith and are with me to celebrate my big and small wins. In September, I became a Christian and have been able to continue growing and defining my faith throughout the year.
4. The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade
For Halloween, my friend Dua and I went down to Patterson Park in the Fells Point area to watch the annual lantern parade. There were so many incredible works of art from this pumpkin to full costumes as well as live music and other festivities.
5. German Christmas Village
This year, I visited the Christmas Village that happens in the Inner Harbor each year. My friend Annmary and I went together, and drank hot chocolate out of Baltimore’s signature mug, shopped for gifts, and enjoyed the company of each other and the water!
6. Homewood Holiday 5K
To close off the fall semester, I ran the Homewood Holiday 5K with a few friends! This was the 2nd 5K I’ve run in my life, and I am so grateful I could do it around the beautiful Homewood campus. The race takes place every year and raises money for the NICU at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
7. Working at the campus pop-up ice rink
My spring semester started with me working at the pop-up Homewood ice rink! This job was so much fun, and I spent lots of time on the ice, which I love and miss dearly, while also hanging out with friends and earning a bit of extra money.
8. racing at nationals
A highlight of my spring semester (and, honestly, the year) was racing at College Club Swimming Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina. A few members of the club swim team qualified and were able to race against other collegiate club teams at the biggest college club swim meet of the year!
9. rosie visits Baltimore
Over spring break, my best friend Rosie visited me in Baltimore! I showed her around the city, and we spent an afternoon at the National Aquarium, coming face to face (literally!) with animals like dolphins, stingray, and catfish!
10. DC with Dua
As per tradition at this point, Dua and I closed out the semester with a trip to Washington, DC. This time both of us finished our finals early and could enjoy a day of exploring. We spent the afternoon at the Arlington Cemetery, learning lots about veterans and memorial services.
Side note, Dua is graduating this semester! Everyone say congratulations and wish her luck on her journey through med school!!
My sophomore year was filled with so many positive memories and fun moments with friends. Not only did I enjoy my classes even more than I did last year (which I didn’t think was possible), but I was also able to share moments with the amazing people I have surrounded myself with. This summer, I’ll be headed abroad for the first time in a few years, and I am so excited to report back on my experiences.
Enjoy the summer months!
