2319: Dog Days

Welcome back Friends,

Embracing the Southern Summer Heat

If you're interested in swimming in sweat, the Mississippi is the place to be! The summer air is thick with humidity, enveloping you the moment you step outside. But that's summer in the Mississippi for you. This year marks my first summer at home in two years, which feels both strange and refreshing. The past two summers have been packed with activities. This summer is busy too, at least for the first half, after which I hope to finally relax. Last year, I moved to Carbondale to start my post-bac program. In 2022, I spent three months in Boston, MA, conducting research at Mass General Hospital. The summer of 2021 was a virtual research stint with UCLA.

A Trip Down Memory Lane with the NBA Finals

Speaking of Boston, the Boston Celtics are facing the Dallas Mavericks in this year's NBA Finals. Coincidentally, the last time the Celtics made it to the finals, I was in Boston for a summer research internship. I attended every home game, soaking up the electric atmosphere both inside (as far as I could go without a ticket) and outside the arena. It was an exhilarating experience, even though the Celtics didn't clinch the title in 2022. This year feels like a redemption year for both the Celtics and myself. While their victory tonight won't determine my fate, it would be the cherry on top of an already meaningful year. Here's hoping they play well and come out on top! The picture below brings back so many memories. There was a point that summer that you would've thought Tougaloo was based in Boston. Chris, Brian, Natalie, and Tyler, I am grateful for being able to experience Boston y'all. Next time we go back it is a must to catch the train and experience the inside of TD Garden.

Reflecting on James Clear's 3-2-1 Newsletter

I recently caught up with James Clear's 3-2-1 newsletter, which I had fallen behind on. His recent message resonated with me: we often measure our days by the number of tasks completed or the amount of money made. I found this amusingly accurate, especially as I approach the final month of my prep for a standardized test, where my day is measured by Anki flashcards completed and practice questions answered. But James Clear suggests a different approach: measure your day by asking yourself three questions:

1. What would you do to maximize your laughter today?
2. What would you do to maximize your time outside today?
3. What would you do to maximize your inner peace today?

Reading this, I realized how important it is to balance productivity with well-being. Last week, I nearly burned out from overexertion. It's vital to know when to take a step back and recharge. For laughter, I plan to FaceTime my cousin Kendall, who always makes me laugh. To maximize my time outside, I'll go golfing with my dad, practicing our swings in the backyard. To find inner peace, meditation is my go-to—it's my reset button.

Reflecting on these questions has helped me evaluate my days more holistically, ensuring I enjoy life as well as work hard. I encourage you to try it out too. These simple questions might bring a fresh perspective to your day.

Peace,

Zechariah Davis

Song of the week:

• Girl With The Tatto Enter.lewd
  • Miguel

Quote of the week:

Scripture of the Week:

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