Summer. Although the first definition on Urban Dictionary for the word reads, “a very hot season, or a beautiful name for a girl,” the second definition is much more accurate (if you ask HCE). Summer is “the moment that every child, adolescent, teenager, and college student awaits. It’s supposed to be a time of rest, relaxation,
vacation, and absolute fun.” Let’s pay close attention to a single word in that definition: “supposed.”
Sure, some students may enjoy a relaxing break from their rigorous academic schedules, but for many Emory students, summer entails hard-earned internship positions, graduate school exam prep-courses (DAT, GMAT, MCAT, GRE, LSAT, you name it), busy work schedules, nannying nightmares, or study abroad opportunities in foreign countries. From what we can tell, Emory collegiettes’™ summers are far from simple and exclusively relaxing. They are challenge-filled, stressful, adventurous, idyllic, fast-paced, and/or all of the above.
HCE: What did you do this summer?
This summer I worked for a Pharmaceutical pricing and market access consulting company in Los Angeles. I had a fantastic experience and loved every second of living on the beach!
– Tiffany Baerwaldt, Senior
I worked for University Conferences at Emory this summer. I met a ton of great people, both Emory and non-Emory.
– Eileen Shi, Senior
I was a part of the Ethics and Servant Leadership program here at Emory. I interned at Refugee Family Services, working with the DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) program for their youth summer camp. I developed curriculum to build literacy and reading skills and supervised the one-on-one tutors from Mercer University. We were working with 56 children in grades one through eight, all of whom are recent refugees to the United States. It was a wonderful opportunity and I was so moved by the resiliency and determination of all of the students.
– Anne Culpepper, Senior
This summer, I worked at a lobbying firm in DC doing PR and Business Development. It was an exciting opportunity to learn my way around the nation’s capital and meet many driven young professionals.
– Alexi New, Junior
This summer I studied abroad in Italy. I spent almost two months traveling to many cities around the country. The food itself was amazing! In addition to the picturesque views and interesting people. Traveling is one way to make a summer memorable, but actually staying in another country for a longer period of time allows you to learn more than you would have expected. I would go back in a heartbeat.
– Alexis Comparini, Sophomore
HCE: Where did you travel?
I spent 3 weeks traveling through India after my study abroad program. I went to Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Mumbai. India is an amazing place where you can travel and learn so much all at the same time. I loved and hated every minute of my time in India. It tested me beyond my comfort zone but on that flight home I cried knowing that I probably would not be back to India for a very long time.
– Liz Simon, Senior
My internship was over just in time to go on a training trip to Italy with the Emory Swimming and Diving team. It was my first time out of the country, and it was an amazing experience that made me want to travel so much more!
– Anne Culpepper, Senior
This summer I traveled to Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, and Chicago. But the best part was definitely Chicago for the Lollapalooza three-day music festival. If I could relive one amazing and epic weekend of my life, it would be that weekend in Chicago. Everyone needs to experience it at least once!
– Taylor Kennedy, Sophomore
HCE: What do you love most about summer?
The weather! I love wearing tanks, shorts, and flip-flops.
– Mina Sardashti, Senior
I love the carefree vibe summer inspires. It’s the perfect chance to break out a sundress, try a new fitness class, swim a few laps, or dine outdoors at a new hotspot.
– Alexi New, Junior
HCE: Glad to be back at Emory?
I’m definitely glad to be back at Emory. It’s great to see all of my friends here again and actually have things to do that I enjoy! Although now that I’m getting into the swing of things again, the stress is creeping back up to me.
– Jill Morsberger, Junior
In the End…
The end of summer is here, classes have begun, Eagle Row is looking alive, Famous can start Thursday Karaoke nights back up, and students are hitting the books again (though hopefully no one has had to make too many trips to the Woodruff Library or Cox Computer Lab quite yet).