Students Embrace Summer Break with Travel, Work, and Exciting Plans

A Diversity of Plans: Students Share Their Summer Adventures

As the academic year winds down, students are eagerly anticipating a summer filled with diverse activities. Whether it’s exploring new places, engaging in research, or simply taking time to relax, each student has carved out a unique path for the break.

Bryan Slaton, a sophomore majoring in bioengineering, is dedicating his summer to inspiring the next generation at CampBioE. “We’re teaching second to 12th graders about everything about bioengineering, just a very hands-on type of fun summer camp,” Slaton shared. After a demanding semester, he looks forward to some much-needed rest.

In Pittsburgh, junior sociology major Bella Emmanouilides will work at Thriftsburgh while starting research for her degree. Her project focuses on the portrayal of young female identities on social media. “I’m very excited,” she said, adding that the summer break is an opportunity to explore Pittsburgh more extensively with friends.

Balancing studies and summer, junior Kristin Cho plans to tackle four courses, including calculus and Korean language classes, both at Pitt and a community college near her Philadelphia home. “I mean, it’s not really fun to take four classes, but I’m sure I’ll find some fun in … [the] Korean [classes],” Cho remarked.

Hannah Mishinkash anticipates a month-long study abroad adventure in Cyprus with Pitt in Cyprus. “I think there’s a lot of archeological stuff in Cyprus, so that will be cool to learn about,” she said, reflecting on the transition to her senior year.

In Iceland, first-year political science student Harper Leary will explore Reykjavík and snorkel between tectonic plates. “We’re supposed to snorkel in between the tectonic plates, which are in a lake, so that’s cool,” Leary expressed. She will also return to her job at Lost + Found in Philadelphia.

Medina Baram, pursuing psychology in her first year, is visiting family in Antwerp, Belgium, and coaching gymnastics back home. “It’s fun,” Baram said, emphasizing the joy of family visits and the relief of earning money over the summer.

Jack Robertson, a first-year mechanical engineering student, will spend two weeks in Spain as part of a Plus3 study abroad program, followed by a week traveling with family. “I don’t have family in Spain, but we all wanted to travel there,” Robertson mentioned.

Meanwhile, first-year engineering student Sean Armour is ready for a break at home. “[I’m looking forward to] hanging out with the boys, my girlfriend, going to the gym and just enjoying life,” he said, capturing the essence of a summer well spent.