Back at Swarthmore

Summer is Over
Well, the summer has finally come to an end. For me, the end of summer is marked by an alarm at 515am followed by the Cooper Test, 2 miles in 12 minutes at 6am. Yes, it is preseason for the men's soccer team at Swarthmore. With 2-a-day practices, meals, and naps there is not time for much else, but I finally have a chance to reflect on my summer experience.

In California
The summer was amazing. For the first part of the summer I returned from England and started as a research assistant at Stanford. It was a time for me to experience graduate school first hand. Overall, I really enjoyed my time at Stanford. I was able to participate in experiments, run subjects through experiments I helped develop, and share interesting ideas with all the other RAs and grad students. The atmosphere was one of progress and production. There people are always thinking, driving forth with new ideas. There is also loads of pressure, but it is good pressure. It is the kind of pressure you place on yourself when you want to excel at something you love. Once I again I want to emphasize the power of the situation. Chose, drive for, apply for, and actively seek situations where you will be challenged and you will learn. There is no better place to do than than in education. Check out this article from experience.com. It outlines many ways education can help put you in a situation where you can grow and learn as you impact others. Even if you didn't graduate with an education degree, the education industry is a great place to find fresh air and fresh ideas. Experience.com: Jobs for the non-ceritified

On top of the research at Stanford, I had the opportunity to live in California with new people. I was able to explore California with them: hiking, biking, and kayaking to name a few. It was an added bonus to the internship and my time in California, and one I won't soon forget.

Christina, Shiho, and me at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

South America
After a few days driving from California to Philadelphia, I set off with my soccer team to Brasil and Argentina. Another experience to remember. From painting the day care to watching the professional matches; climbing up to Corcavado to toruing Pele's old locker room. It was an education in soccer, and South American culture. We tried yerba mate, a tea popular in Argentina and southern Brasil. We partied hard in a Sao Paolo night club. All my experience in California and especially more recently in South America has indicated to me that I have not seen or experienced enough of the world to settle down yet. I may choose to volunteer, or travel. But who knows. I have one year left at Swarthmore and a lot can change in a year.

The future
One thing I know for sure is that learning and expanding you boundaries is invaluable. Whatever you do make an conscious effort to learn something new, and connect with people. It may be hard to find in some careers, but in the education industry those two traits describe much of the careers and opportunities out there. I wish everyone luck on their paths in life and hope learning and the education industry are never too far away.