Miami Summer Send-Off
This past Sunday, over 100 Vanderbilt students, families and alumni gathered at the beautiful LaGorce Country Club in Miami Beach for the Annual Summer Send-Off. Since 1968, these send-offs have been held in many major cities across the country. They are sponsored by local alumni chapters and honor first-year students.
The send-off was a great way for my sister, Brittany, to meet other first-year students from the area. Now, when she gets to campus in just 10 DAYS, she will know a few more people, which may spare her from eating lunch in the Commons alone…just kidding. (But actually, I eat alone all the time. It is the perfect opportunity to read, study or talk on the phone.)
At my fourth send-off party, I learned something new. Did you know that Vanderbilt students are inducted into the Alumni Association after their first year? I had no idea. This is just further proof of the strength of the growing Vanderbilt community. It truly allows us as students to get to know those who came before us. It connects us with potential future employers or mentors. If Alumni Relations appeals to you, I encourage you to get involved with one of the many Student/ Alumni Programs on campus.
I was asked to share my experiences over the past three years with the excited, but nervous, first-years. So, while reflecting in preparation for my impromptu speech, I realized, once again, how lucky I am to be at Vanderbilt. From the free trips to the trendiest parts of Nashville, to the amazing research I do at the Medical Center, I cannot imagine being anywhere else. I really believe that I attend the best school in the country.
As always, ANCHOR DOWN!