Summertime (By Kenny G)

"Summertime," embodies the atmosphere of summer relaxation--the soft, flowing saxophone runs gently ebbing back and forth like a calm tide along an endless shoreline, bathed in warm sunlight.  Each time I hear this song, I see myself lying by water without a care in the world.  That is a quality of jazz music that I absolutely love!  Whether it is exciting or relaxing you, jazz has the power to just take you away.  Everything else fades and you're caught in the moment.  Right now, that moment is wonderful summertime...

I rather enjoy the beginning of summer.  It always gives me a chance to reflect on the past school year.  Looking back, I am happy with how my junior year went.  I've met good people, made close friends, and learned new things about myself, which I've shared with others.  I feel like I've grown a lot as both a student and a person.  However, this year did come with its challenges and regrets.  I'll admit I made choices and did things that I wish I could take back.  You know, that whole hindsight being 20/20 deal.  I've learned from these experiences, though.  I can't say I'm thrilled about the consequences, but I accept them.  Sometimes the best lessons come from bad situations when you own up to your mistakes. 

So what now?  Well, I've been trying to figure that for weeks, even months.  My summer plans were to work in a research laboratory.  I did not anticipate the application deadlines of most summer research internships being in late January/early February, however.  I found that out too late, so it has been very difficult to find available opportunities.  Fortunately, a friend of mine recently put me in contact with a PI (principal investigator) at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.  I had an interview a couple weeks ago and that PI wants to hire me!  Though it's still up in the air whether she can afford to or not.  Lord willing, her grant administrator will say yes to funding and soon.  Working there would be AMAZING and such an opportunity.  If it doesn't work out... well, anyone know of any research opportunities because I sure don't?!

Anyway, until I find out about McGowan, chillin' in Jersey is the name of my game.  I'm definitely not opposed to spending time at home, though.  Home is a nice place.  It also gives me a chance to reconnect with my friends from high school.  I cherish keeping in contact with old friends and maintaining close friendships.  There is such value to having friends who are there for you--friends to laugh with, support, and understand you.  I try not to lose sight of that when I find myself too busy during the school year.  When my workload is high, I tend to prioritize down hanging out and staying contact with people.  Sometimes it is good to focus, but I think at other times, I could work on balancing my commitments and my friends better.  That sounds like a good goal for senior year, although we're not talking about that one just yet!  I've got still the whole summer ahead of me.  Right now, it's just time to relax and catch up with friends, family, and of course my TV shows.  Breaks like this are far too rare and I plan to enjoy it while it lasts.