By ANDREW VO
At the start of summer, I told myself, “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE RELAXATION!” I kept true to my word and played video games, hung out and redeemed the sleep I lost all school year long. I still mixed in some learning.
The best part of summer was a trip to Europe. Traveling to new countries was so amazing, and I practically went through culture shock. I made it to faraway lands that included London, Athens, Paris, Turkey, Monte Carlo, Florence, Pisa and Venice. My favorite place? Rome. Seeing the Vatican was what took my breath away the most. Overall, it was a trip I won’t forget.
When I got back from my trip to Europe, I began my research at Chapman University, assisting in experiments in neurology and marine ecology. From my experiences, I now understand why it takes so long to go through the research process. There’s a lot of trial and error, understanding what went wrong with the first experiment and how you can improve the next, changing protocols along the way. Still, I had so much fun during my time researching and I learned so much, too. Although summer is over, I hope to have this opportunity to research again next summer.
In the middle of my researching adventures, I had a chance to catch up with Chancellor Struppa once more at lunch. Just having the opportunity to talk with someone who has so much to do with Chapman University is nothing short of an honor. I hope that we will be able to continue to keep in touch during my college years. I’m just so grateful to have a chancellor who looking out for my best interest in school.
A little after that, it was time for me to end the summer with a bang with a trop to Mexico for a week in Cancun After so many days of researching, I spent my time doing nothing but swimming in the beach, eating delicious Mexican food, and sleeping, of course.
Overall, my summer was nothing short of busy, yet exciting. With something to look forward to everyday, the vacation break went much faster than I expected it would. Before I knew it, it was already time to go ahead and buy textbooks for this coming semester.
This fall, I am taking Organic Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Statistics, Intermediate Spanish II and a University Honors Program class, Death, Self, and Society. That makes 17 credits this semester, and I’m very nervous about how it will turn out. On top of the workload, it’s been said that Organic is nothing short of a rollercoaster of stress and horror. However, I’ve also heard that the professor teaching this class is very devoted and passionate in what he teaches. Because of this, I feel much more comfortable; if there’s one thing that I love about Chapman University, it’s that I can come into a class wanting to learn something, and come out with an education because a professor or other people were willing to take the time to help me understand material.
I’m definitely ready for part two of my college journey. It will have its ups and downs at times, but whatever lies ahead will put me one step closer to becoming a doctor.
As the summer closes, one thing is for sure: I’m lucky I got back my lost hours of sleep.
It doesn’t look like I’ll get a chance to rest up again until around Thanksgiving break!
Former child actor Andrew Vo, 16, is beginning his second year as a student at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. He will continue to chronicle his adventures this academic year.
