Summer Send-Off…Already?!
Yesterday, I came home to find a post card invitation to the Miami Summer Send-Off Party, which will be held on July 15. Usually the Send-Off Parties are a bit later in the summer, once freshmen have received their housing assignments and just before upperclassmen head back for early move-in. Why, then, is ours so early?First of all, what is a Summer Send-Off? It is simply a gathering hosted by the local alumni chapter that serves to welcome new students to Vanderbilt. It is a prime opportunity for new students to meet their peers, as well as to meet upperclassmen who are more than willing to show them the ropes at school. The Miami Commodores definitely make an effort to stick together in Nashville, and the party is a great way in which to incorporate the new class of students.
The Miami party will be honored by the presence of James Stofan, Associate Vice Chancellor, Alumni Relations. The Miami presence at Vanderbilt has surged over the past few years. Even in my time at school, I have noticed significantly more students from South Florida. I suppose the Vice Chancellor will speak to us about the importance of a strong alumni presence in our area. After all, the bonds we form in college will only grow stronger with time.
I will actually be out of town, so I will not be attending the send-off (more on that later). My parents will be going in my place, and I promise a full-report on their experience!
In other news, the MCAT is 11 days away and I cannot wait to be done. All of this studying is beginning to bore me. 
Keep your fingers crossed for me!