Wow. That's the only word I can use to describe how surprising and awesome this opportunity has been. In my first two weeks at UW I found a position in a lab, something I planned to get sophomore year at the earliest, and I am so grateful. I've assisted with implanting biotechnology into mice, programming the code that analyzes data from their implants in real time, and petting their little heads for their work (optional but my favorite task).

Equally exciting as my lab gig, playing drums in Roy G. Biv (aptly named for their enthusiasm for wildly varied styles) has been so much fun. They put up posters requesting a drummer around campus soon after I started going to classes and I couldn't resist joining after seeing their mascot was a gnome wearing sunglasses. In high school I played math rock covers with my best friend for years, but we never figured out songwriting. In 2 months Roy G. Biv has written eight original songs and I've loved playing in every practice and show with my new bandmates.

While the lab, band, and challenging classes have taken up most of my time and energy, on the weekends I've been able to go on Saturday hikes with the Peaks and Professors club. They take 5-8 students, two trip leads, and a professor from any field on hikes ranging from 2 miles to 10 and their trips have been an amazing source of friendship, exercise, and wisdom. Hiking with other first-years up to grad students up to professors, I've learned what the best horror movies are, how to get through the neuroscience major, and how to appreciate life and every moment that it's made of. While I hope to explore many other clubs while I'm here, Peaks and Professors has been an amazingly welcoming starting point.