I love running. It's been a part of my daily routine for years, and whether for better or for worse, I need to move my body at least a little bit every day if my brain is to work properly.
I caught (or maybe it’s hereditary?) the running-bug from my dad, who at this point I consider a prolific marathoner. He recently ran his first ultra-marathon up in New Hampshire, and it was so motivational to watch him achieve a lifelong ambition of his.
While there are no sidewalks where I live, the wide, wooded roads – empty, for the most part – and calm trails are my favorite place to lose myself for a little bit.
Music
I have been playing the cello for 5 years now.
I started out in a preliminary string orchestra at school, moved on to a local orchestra program, and have since expanded my artistic range to solo, chamber, and symphonic training.
I currently play for the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra, their Worcester Youth Baroque Orchestra, and a chamber trio I formed with musicians I met at a summer camp.
As solo repertoire goes, I am plugging through the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No.1 (A Minor).
I also play the guitar and double bass, much less formally.
The guitar was actually the first instrument I picked up – at the age of 5 – and it remains one of my favorite artistic mediums to just get thoughts out.
I’ve never been able to stay consistent with a journal, but I always find time to make music.
WRAMP and The Internship
During my freshman year, I was a part of the Women’s Research and Mentorship Program @ WPI.
I was placed with another highschooler, an undergrad, and a graduate student to work on a project in one of my areas of interest, biochemistry.
We explored how deoxygenation and chemical stress impacted the locomotion of C. Elegans; the stresses we applied to the model organisms mimicked hypothesized causes for neurodegeneration in human beings.
It was an invaluable experience working in such an empowering environment, and I learned tons about neuroscience, lab skills, and about what I’m interested in pursuing.
I loved working in the lab so much, in fact, that I pursued a summer internship with that same mentor.
This time, I assisted her in her own research, as opposed to a curated project.
I got to stain PC12 cells (using both cell mask and immunostaining) image them using a confocal microscope, and analyze their membrane tension.
I got to explore the data analysis side of experimentation in much more depth over the summer, and I’m glad it did – it's already helping me brainstorm experimental design for my STEM I project.
Gardening
Just like I inherited running from my dad, I got my love for gardening and botany from my mum.
There is nothing quite like eating (and sharing!) produce that you have grown from seed yourself.
During the first week of junior year, our garden produced a ridiculous number of peppers for a family of three, so I brought a few Ziplocs for people to take home.
We also decided to try and eat a few during lunch – the jalapeños weren’t too bad at all, but the serrano peppers were . . . an experience.
I see your icebreakers and I raise you “bringing the heat”. Ba dum tss.
I find that gardening is a great way to get in touch with nature, find peace of mind, and foster a sense of community.
.jpg)
.jpg)
