A Very Unexpected Summer

Last summer, I was very upset that I did not get an internship. Therefore, I started working hard since last September at applying to lots of different internships. I looked into the petroleum industry, commodity chemicals industry, utility companies, research laboratories, and even the aerospace industry. I can’t even keep track of how many internships I applied to. It seemed like it stressed me out more than anything else this past year. Unfortunately, I kept getting rejected from companies, until I got contacted by the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation and Schlumberger.

If you read my last blog post, I discuss both of these opportunities. However, a couple weeks went by after interviewing with them, and they eventually let me know that I was not offered the position. Schlumberger had a FIELD camp that I thought was going to be a week-long interview for a summer internship. However, I was mistaken and upon getting there, I realized that it was actually a week-long interview for a full-time position. During the week, we learned about the different segments within their company and got to go see an operating oil rig. I had a great week, even with the confusion, and learning about what life as a Field Engineer would be like sounds very appealing to me. I found their Hydraulic Fracturing segment to appeal to me more than any other segment. It was really fun learning about the company and meeting other students from all over the country. I will know in the near future whether I have a full-time offer from them, which could be amazing!

Now that I have taken the time to give an update since my last blog post, it makes more sense to explain that I do not have an internship this summer. For some reason, I just never got an offer, even with all the companies I applied to. Because I did not want to sit around all summer doing nothing, I figured it was better to get some kind of job. I am working at 21 Choices, which is a frozen yogurt shop right across the street from the university. I did not expect to end up where I did, but the job I have is pretty cool. It’s a good summer job, and it is fun meeting tons of people who come through the store. On top of that, I am also working with the marching band again this summer, because I am section leader, and I need to work on recruiting trombones to the section for the coming year. I am really looking forward to a great fall season for the football team and for the band.

Outside of my work, I am starting to prepare for the GRE exam. I would like to continue my studies in graduate school, and the GRE is essentially the SAT for grad school. I am still seriously considering Schlumberger, if I receive an offer. Otherwise, I am planning on going onto to graduate school. The test seems pretty difficult, so I want to get started studying to give myself the best chance of a high score.

Other than everything else that has happened within the last month, I have had an opportunity to see my family and have some fun. At the end of May, I went home to see my sister graduate from high school. It was great to see her move on to the next step in her life. She will be starting at the University of Michigan in the fall, pursuing a double major in music and astronomy. I am very excited for her, and I know she has a bright future ahead of her. After the graduation ceremony, my family traveled out to Point Reyes National Seashore. This trip has become sort of a tradition for the family. All of us find this place one of the most beautiful locations in the world. I could go on and on about my trip, but I figured the best way to show you how amazing it was is to show you some incredible pictures I took.

Last, but not least, I spent this past week volunteering at the Electronics Entertainment Expo! This event, more commonly known as E3, is an event where companies in the video game industry come and show off their newest products that are going to be released in the coming year. I am a total nerd, and I love video games as much as the next nerd, so getting to do this was incredible. The event is closed off to the public, so getting to volunteer was a great way to get into the event. I got to see and play the PS4, as well the XBox One. I also got to see a lot of game footage from the game Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, which is now probably the game I am most excited for. It was so much to be able to go.

This summer has definitely not turned out to be what I was expecting it to be. I was hoping to have an amazing internship somewhere. However, I am trying to roll with the punches, and I have enjoyed my unexpected summer so far. Here’s to hoping it only gets better.