Happy April Fools! I can’t believe the semester is already almost over! With just over a month left of school, I have finalized my summer plans! I will be staying in Baltimore this summer and researching in my lab. Last summer, I had an awesome time commuting to my internship in DC and being able to experience working in a fast-paced city! However, I am preparing for the MCAT this summer as well, and need time to juggle that and an internship.
Went to a tearoom with my Mom when I went home recently! ADORABLE
Regardless, I am really excited to explore Baltimore even more in a few months! Living on campus without going to classes is an entirely different feel from just living there. With more time to go to my favorite places like the farmer’s market and thrift stores, I can really indulge myself and relax from what has been a very hectic semester!
Isn't Seattle gorgeous!!
Speaking of, I just returned from my trip to Seattle over spring break! I visited my aunt and uncle and got to see some really great places! I also learned that Redmond, Seattle is the self-proclaimed road-biking capital of the country! I loved exploring the beautiful bike trails and soak in the amazing (surprisingly!) weather! I have come to love what the west coast has to offer far more than I ever did before. The landscape and scenery are absolutely exquisite, and I loved how Seattle combines industry and creative thinking with nature. The city fosters an appreciation for the outdoors. Moreover, all the people there are so nice, and the atmosphere was the perfect environment for me to relax. Now that I am recharged, I am (hopefully) ready to tackle the rest of the semester.
Took a ferry to a nearby island in Seattle
Last Friday, I went to the Baltimore Bike Party, one of the best experiences I have had in Baltimore. Everyone gathered at the Monument near the Peabody stop that JHMI stops at. My friend and I biked there from campus, and at around 7:30, everyone set off. This year’s theme was super hero, and everyone was dressed up with capes and masks! As we rode through Baltimore, in areas I haven’t ever seen, people would line outside their homes and cheer us on! Riding through some of the highway in the dark was amazing! At one point or another, I would run into some friends and we would chat as we cruised through the streets. Then, we stopped at what was the most beautiful area I have seen at night in Baltimore. Behind a lake near Federal Hill, we stared out toward the city skyline. Music was playing and everyone was chatting. It truly was one of the best experiences I have had in Baltimore, and I can’t wait to participate in every bike party. From what I have heard, they are even more fun in the summer, but the weather on Friday was perfect!
Being a part of the Baltimore community is one of the best things you can experience as a Hopkins student. I love trying new things around here; I am actually going sea kayaking this weekend- I’ve never tried it before, but the Outdoors Pursuits club makes it so easy! The culture is great, and being around people with such diverse interests really makes it a melting pot. There are people from Peabody and MICA, the nearby schools, who are entirely different from our Hopkins counterparts.
Immersing myself in both Hopkins, by being a part of various clubs and organizations in addition tomy classes is awesome. I love my classes, but separating myself from them by doing different activities is so much fun! It really allows you to be an adult and try new things! I love the combination of our campus and the surrounding areas. The best part is, they are all really close to us! Just a short walk, or bike away! I love how conducive Baltimore and Hopkins are to biking, as it has become one of my favorite activities recently. It’s such a relaxing thing to do, even more fun now that the weather has improved so much (fingers crossed it stays this way). Hopkins really is the perfect place for me because it combines my favorite things in a stimulating and dynamic environment. It’s not to shabby that it’s a great school too!
Enjoy some pictures from my trip to Seattle, and others from when I went biking to the Inner Harbor to grab some great sushi with a friend! Enjoy the rest of you week!