As I wrap up my first year at Amherst, I keep catching myself thinking: How did time move this fast? It feels like just yesterday I was dragging my suitcase across campus, nervous and excited for move-in day. Now, here I am, packing up again — but this time, it’s not for college. It’s for my first summer away from home because of college.
This summer marks a lot of firsts for me. My first time doing research. My first time living independently in a new city. My first time building a summer around my own goals instead of school or family obligations. It’s exciting — and honestly a little terrifying — but mostly it feels like growth.
Landing a Summer Opportunity
One of the biggest things I’m grateful for is securing a summer research assistant position. I’ll be working in a developmental psychology lab at Harvard, diving into projects that explore how children understand relationships and social dynamics. (Basically, dream topics for someone like me who’s passionate about psychology and development.) Finding and applying for opportunities wasn’t easy. There were a lot of emails, essays, interviews, and moments where I doubted myself. But if there’s anything this first year taught me, it’s that putting yourself out there matters. It’s okay to be scared — just don’t let the fear stop you.
Planning for Life Outside the Classroom
School gave me structure without me realizing it. Now, planning my summer feels like building a whole new world from scratch.
Questions like:
- Where am I going to live?
- How am I budgeting groceries, transportation, and fun?
- What does my daily schedule look like when it’s not built around class times?
These are new things I’m learning to figure out — with a lot of Google searches, advice from friends, and some trial-and-error sprinkled in. I’m subletting an apartment (something else I never imagined I’d be doing at 19) and creating little to-do lists to keep myself on track. (Pro tip: lists make everything feel 10% less overwhelming.)
Taking Care of Myself
One thing I’m very aware of going into this summer is balance. Yes, I want to work hard. Yes, I want to make a good impression. But I also want to take walks, find new coffee shops, call my friends, and explore the city. College can sometimes trick you into thinking you have to “hustle” 24/7. I’m learning that rest, exploration, and small joys are just as important as adding lines to your resume.
Another thing that made this summer possible is the support I’m receiving through the Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning at Amherst. I’m incredibly thankful to be a recipient of the Meiklejohn Fellowship, which provides a stipend to help students pursue unpaid or low-paid internships and research opportunities. Without this funding, it would have been so much harder for me to take on a summer position focused on learning and growth rather than worrying about how to financially support myself. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes resources that truly makes a difference — and it reminds me that I’m not doing this alone. Amherst believes in investing in its students, and that belief is helping me build the kind of summer (and future) I once only dreamed about.
Things I’m Excited For
- Gaining Research Experience: I’m excited to finally apply what I’ve been learning in classes to real-world work.
- Exploring Cambridge/Boston: New cafes, bookstores, parks — I’m ready for it all.
- Growing Into Independence: Managing my own time, navigating a city on my own, budgeting — all things I know will help me grow.
- Meeting New People: I can’t wait to connect with people who are just as passionate about learning and discovery as I am.
Final Thoughts
This summer isn’t just a break from school — it’s the next chapter in my journey. It’s a chance to see what I’m capable of outside the structured walls of a classroom.It’s a reminder that the person who nervously boarded a plane to Amherst a year ago is not the same person leaving campus today. To anyone else prepping for their first college summer: take a deep breath. It’s okay to not have it all figured out. You’re learning, growing, and building something beautiful — even if it feels messy sometimes. Here’s to first summers, big dreams, and everything in between.