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During the summer, I had the opportunity to travel to the UK and finally visit the Old Trafford stadium, a place I had always dreamed of. After completing the previous academic year, I realized that the upcoming summer break would be shorter, possibly the last one I could truly enjoy. Consequently, I made the decision to venture far from home. This trip holds great significance for me as it allowed me to fulfill a childhood dream, while also serving as motivation to strive for a better future where I can explore all the breathtaking destinations worldwide, once I have the means to do so.

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When I came back home, I found that my younger sister was always excited when going to art class. Therefore, I decided to participate in her classes a few times, and then I realized I also felt happy when drawing. After that, I had much free time in the summer to draw. In addition to swimming, drawing has become a significant source of joy in my life since it allows me to channel my emotions.

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During the summer, I took on a challenging task: overseeing a fashion and dance performance exclusively for women in the local area. It was quite a demanding endeavor, but my artistic nature prevailed. Together with my parents, we meticulously crafted ao dai outfits from scratch—cutting, gluing, and painting plastic sheets.

This experience filled me with anticipation. It not only provided a tranquil time to indulge in my personal hobbies but also held significant value. Each passing moment felt precious. Interacting with individuals of my grandmother's and mother's generation, I couldn't help but worry about my communication skills and the appropriateness of the performance. However, their presence taught me invaluable lessons—how to savor the fleeting moments of old age and find joy in the simplest of things.  Despite my worries, I realized that I possessed a unique gift: the power to ignite happiness. And in the beautiful tapestry of this journey, I found my own heart brimming with immeasurable joy and fulfillment.

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My highlight this summer of 2023 is definitely my little journey to South Africa, accompanied by the one-and-only chi Tran, to explore the world of public health and microbial research regarding HIV & TB.
My experience throughout this summer exchange program at CAPRISA has been valuable to me in many ways, even though it's only been 2 weeks. First, via conversations with people in all levels of the organization's hierarchy, from all departments, and tours of the facilities, I was able to capture a holistic, systemic view of CAPRISA as a research center.
Another piece of knowledge that I’ve attained is the thorough, sequential process of conducting research. This is particularly rewarding for me since I now have much more information to make future choices. While reading a step-by-step guidance on the internet might also offer the same number of insights, especially with the help of AI-powered tools, it can never be the same as seeing the work with my own eyes.
My time here has also been shaped with numerous historical and cultural explorations, which surprising have made me more interested in the history of my home country - Vietnam.

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Summer is when I can truly work on my appearance. Shred off a few kg, learn about how to dress, put on some muscles, etc...

Little secret: 17kg of body fat has been long gone; let's see how my friends react once we meet again.

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Its important to spend your summer time on hobbies and some good old relaxing time. But if u also want to train your mind for the new academic year. Sign up for some research!!!! Reach out to your professors! It will certainly help u

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Tbh I'm a true couch potato, I rarely work out during the academic year, so this summer I tried to engage in as many physical activities as I can.

1. Cycling: I go cycling every day, to go to cafe shops or simply pick up my little brother from primary school. Reduced emission and good for the heart ey?

2. Swimming/ Diving: i learned free-diving this summer! Woo-hoo! I live by the sea so swimming is a must in the summer.

3. Hiking: The mountain is 650m high, took us 1.5hr to reach the top and we hopped on the cable car to go downhill. I enjoyed the peaceful vibe of the pagoda situated on the top of the mountain 🪷

-> Med school is gruesome, I need both physical and mental preparation before heading onto another hectic year ahead. Will continue cycling and swimming and hiking (or bouldering) during the school year at least once a month lol (finger-crossed). But i'll not stress myself out to be all-achieving. Now im kinda ready for what Year3 is about to offer.

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1. Điều mình rất thích khi về hè là đi tập boxing ở một phòng tập gần nhà. Chỗ mình học thì không phải là boxing thi đấu mà là boxing nâng cao sức khỏe, vậy nên những giờ tập boxing đối với mình là thời điểm thả lỏng đầu óc và tập hết sức mình đến khi đổ mồ hôi thì thôi.

Bản thân mình cũng là một đứa con gái thích cảm giác mạnh, nên những đòn đấm dứt khoát của boxing hay những lần đánh trúng ''mục tiêu'' mang lại cho mình nhiều niềm vui nho nhỏ. Đối với mình, boxing như một liều thuốc xóa tan đi mọi mệt mỏi và áp lực trong năm học.

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A one on one mentoring session with one of my students.

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What I have done the most this summer is mentoring students (teens and preteens) on important skills such as leadership, debate, and public speaking.
I chose to spend time in this activity because I love to inspire young people to be better versions of themselves and to best utilize the talents they have. I believe in this quote “Become who you needed when you were younger” so I am working to be a guide for young people just like I needed when I was also a young teenager.
I believe with the experiences I have now and the skills I have gained throughout my years, young people will be able to learn from me and I can learn from them too.

Participating in this during the summer has improved my personality in so many ways. I have learned to be more patient and listen more. I have also learned to tolerate many behaviors which is something that I need to learn as a future nurse.

I have also had plenty of fun activities with the kids which has allowed me to relive my childhood moments. This has greatly changed my outlook on life and showed me how little things in life can produce the most happiness.

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Please tell us:
1. What is your most favorite activity during summer?/ What have you done during the summer?
2. Why you chose to spend your time in that activity?
3. How it improved or changed you?