Ambassador Alexa's Summer of Rest, Relaxation, and Resets
As college students, we are gifted with a uniquely long summer recess. These four months of downtime from academics can be a blessing and a curse. How does one pass the days while hopefully creating an equilibrium between rest, responsibility, and the chance to reset before fall? When envisioning my summer, that balance was exactly what I hoped to have.
Like many other students, I knew I should find a summer job. After centering in on academics and my transition from high school to college, I pressed pause on an additional job during freshman year, but knew I had to get back into it. Finding a job near my home in Delray Beach, Florida— a town that largely empties out during the hot summer months— was no simple feat. After countless phone calls and scrolls on Indeed, I landed myself a retail job at Brandy Melville.
Though it vastly differed from the academic tasks I had all school year, the sales associate job taught me many useful lessons. I was educated on visual merchandising, brand strategies in boosting sales, and the dynamic of running a store in collaboration with coworkers who were all a similar age to me. It was a fresh educational experience—not to mention a great employee discount! I greatly enjoyed my time there.
As far as my chance to reset, I was fortunate enough to leave the Florida humidity and head up the east coast. From attending a family graduation in D.C., to visiting an old friend in New York City, to heading east in New York to a beach with my mom, I gained further appreciation for places outside where I live and study. Since New York was my original home state, it was also enjoyable to reminisce on old memories before going back to Los Angeles this fall.
For the relaxation element, I spent lots of time soaking in the sun. I definitely enjoyed all that the months of May, June, and July had to offer. From beach days to neighborhood walks, and even a few country concerts with my friends, I gave myself time to unwind and reset. With much to come in the fall, I made sure to pace myself this summer.
Despite how much I love the summer months, this time of reflection
has made me even more eager to return to USC. This fall, I’m enrolled in numerous exciting classes, such as ASCJ 210: Contours of Change in Media and Communication which is part of my coursework at USC Annenberg.
Beyond classes, I am eager to continue my extracurricular involvement at the USC. As an ambassador, I am excited to give more tours and attend upcoming events. As an avid writer, I look forward to stepping into a new role as co-editor for Daily Trojan Magazine, while continuing to write for MASH magazine this year. Beyond my academic-focused clubs, I will also remain an active and eager part of my sorority.
While it is fulfilling to keep up with my activities from freshman year, finding new outlets to express passion is always a gift. As an Annenberg student, I hope to get involved in the Annenberg Media Center, and perhaps get an on campus job within Annenberg.
As the sun sets on our final summer days, it is hard to not feel bittersweet. Summer is full of carefree and important memories, but I feel truly blessed to attend a school where the fall signifies just as much joy and positive change.
