What a crazy thought it is to think that I only have one summer left in my college career. This summer, I realized all I really wanted to spend my time doing was international travel, research, and self-care.
Diving right in, here are my top 10 memories from this summer!
1. Flying solo overseas for the first time
This summer, I spent most of my time in Vienna, Austria. This has been a dream of mine since I was in high school and went abroad for the first time as a 15-year-old. But this time I did it on my own instead of with a class. I will admit, getting through security in a foreign country while trying to catch a connecting flight was scary, but we did it, and I had the best time filled with growth while abroad (and getting myself there, to be completely honest)!
2. Finding my new favorite research topic
While abroad, I had the opportunity to intern at Central European University. I worked with music and behavior, combining one of my favorite hobbies with my academic interests, and observed the effects of phonetics in sea shanties on sailor’s group behavior. Yes, I know it sounds a little silly, but there’s actually a lot of findings you wouldn’t expect. I’ll go into more details in another article—keep an eye out for that one!
3. Going to a Viennese Ball
Outside of work, I had plenty of time to explore the beautiful history and heritage of Viennese culture and Vienna as a city. One thing I recall seeing online every year is the historical Viennese Ball that takes place in the government building, built in the late 19th century. I went to the Concordia Ball, which has been around since 1863. It was everything I ever dreamed of and so much fun to dress up (custom dress by my best friend Rosie, by the way!) and immerse myself in an enduring aspect of Viennese culture.
4. Cooking all my meals for the first time
The little things in life can get me just as excited as the big things. While abroad and at home in Baltimore, I was able to cook all of my meals for myself whenever I wanted. Being abroad gave me the opportunity to cook all of my meals for myself. Honestly, it was teenage Estella’s dream come true to play around in the kitchen and make up my own recipes and spice concoctions. Perhaps my second calling in life is as an artist in the kitchen, someone who makes just as many not-so-yummy meals as delicious ones for herself and her friends and family’s enjoyment (or not?).
5. Swimming in a historic pool
One of the things I looked forward to after work in Vienna was walking down the street to Amalienbad, a historic pool that opened in 1926. For my swimmers out there, it was a beautiful facility to swim in, but it was 33 yards without flags, so you bet I was guessing where I was in the water all the time. I loved going and being able to stay in shape with a sport I love while engaging with the lovely community members who also enjoy the pool.
6. Watching an outdoor movie
Back home in Baltimore, a friend and I went to the American Visionary Museum’s outdoor movie night to watch Men in Black. It was a random Thursday night in July, so we headed over to the museum and enjoyed their free admission (honestly, I would pay the admission price because that museum is very cool!) before heading outside to the Hill to watch the film on the big screen next to the museum building. It was a great time to enjoy the summer evening air, a funny movie, and time with a friend.
7. Showing first-years around Baltimore
This year, I served as a pre-orientation leader again for the Center for Social Concern’s program, B’More Community Bound. This program has a special place in my heart because I attended when I was an incoming first-year student. Last year, I served as a leader and got to relive my introduction to Hopkins through the lens of a sophomore. But, as a junior, I truly saw the great aspects of this program and was reminded why I love it so much. I got to show first-years around areas in Baltimore that are beautiful and changing so fast in the best way. Baltimore has a pretty big art scene that not many people know about, so visiting there and showing the first-years the community is always super special. We had some of the best food in the city (shoutout Sweet 27 and Ekiben), were introduced to resources at Hopkins, and explored how to connect with the Baltimore community too. Shameless plug for the Center for Social Concern!
8. Eating at so many yummy restaurants (Too many to just pick one)
Both abroad and back in the states, good food is good food! I am such a foodie and this summer I was able to set aside some of my budget to treat myself once a week to a classic favorite restaurant or a new spot. I tried foods from Jordan for the first time, Turkey, Thailand, Italy, and of course, traditional Viennese cuisine. Food is so special because it carries heritage, culture, and flavor all within a dish, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities to try new flavors from around the world.
9. Moving into my new apartment
As a junior this year, which is still insane to say, I get to lie off campus in my own apartment. One of my close friends, Momo, and I decided to live together, and it has been so much fun! I highly recommend living with a close friend; it makes me immediately happier every time I come home. On top of loving my roommate, I also absolutely adore the apartment itself. We are a quick 3-minute walk from campus, literally across the street, and the space itself is so open with a balcony facing a beautiful church.
10. Sleeping 😊
Something that I definitely took advantage of this summer was the opportunity to get lots of rest. I made sure to get the solid eight hours of sleep every night and ended up feeling so much more recharged and ready to take on the days ahead. Rest is so important and I’m glad I was able to prioritize it this summer. I feel like I tend to get caught up in all the things I fill my days with that I forgot the nights are just as important. Hopefully, I’ll be able to carry this into the semester with me!
I hope everyone got lots of rest over their summers as well and will continue to do so during the school year! Opportunities at Hopkins are truly endless, even over the summer, and mine was filled with lots of fun things (and lots of sweet dreams).
