January 2025

My last official winter break.

I have obtained not just one degree but two, and I’m one semester away from my third and last degree. My last and final clinical will be at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia one month from now. 

The past five years consisted of lots and lots of school, clinicals and shadowing at hospitals to gain more experience as an occupational therapy major, and my part time job at a climbing gym in Philly as well as some photography gigs on the side when I have time. 

I’m living in a small house located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, about a fifteen minute drive from Thomas Jefferson University. Going to school in the city is nice but too loud for my living standards. 

My daily routine goes a little like this:

Wake up at 6 AM, go for a light run outside, shower, get dressed, then eat a nice hearty breakfast. Then I commute to school at 7:30 AM in my silver Hyundai Tucson. Once my classes end, I grab a light dinner and then off to work at the climbing gym until 10PM. Once I come home, I take a shower, pack all my stuff for the following day, and go to sleep. 

But I’ll be taking a break from this. As I’m on my last official winter break, it’s time to press pause and break away from the fast-paced, exhausting and slightly stressful life of a health sciences student.

My friends and I have decided to pursue the “van life” for the next month.  I’m packing now for my life on the road. Some clothes, lots of food, my photography gear, a book or two, and my climbing essentials. Our plan is simple: drive out west and climb outdoors as much as possible. I’ve sent most of my outdoor projects on the east coast with Ethan through many weekend trips and I need some new projects. It’s time for the big rocks. We’ll hit Bishop, Joshua Tree, and Yosemite and other boulders on the way. 

Road trips have always been my ideal vacation. The conversations you get out of long drives with the people you love, the beautiful views, and spontaneous activities are something that I could never grow tired of. My life on the road will consist of beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the mountains, stargazing all night, reading books while laying in hammocks, and climbing as much as humanly possible without completely destroying my fingertips.