Work-wise, the first week was more focused on team building, tours of the lab, and learning foundational research skills. We began reading some background papers in related studies. I’m excited for the weeks to come. The NAVI team is looking at some really cool stuff.

Today I called my parents. They asked me what I’ve been up to, and I realized that it’s only been one week. I’ve just been busy doing so much fun stuff. It’s surprising how fast we’ve all grown to be friends.

I remember trying to play volleyball once as a kid. I had no idea how to hit the ball without hurting my fingers. I barely knew how to hit the ball in general. The sand was too hot. The game was too hard. Everyone else was too good. Well, I decided volleyball just wasn’t for me. And then, a few days into our internship, somehow, we end up playing volleyball. I begrudgingly joined. Then, I figured I might as well learn something. I began asking about technique and rules. And somehow, I started having fun. Because it’s not always about doing it perfectly. It’s about improving your skills, learning from your community/mistakes, and being happy with your progress.

Campus is fields of grass with patches of tree-shade. The summer is hot, but gentle in the birdsong mornings.

Honorable mentions: going bowling, going to an escape room, and going to the soap box races.