Loubett Cuevas
Summer break is the ideal time to relax and reset before the demands of the school year begin piling up on your plate. I’m so grateful to have been able to destress over the last three months – especially with a front row seat to the world falling into utter chaos.
As I reflect on my summer, I notice that I spent a great deal of time reading about the state of global affairs. It doesn’t get better than waking up on a dewy summer morning with the sun peeking through your blinds to see a notification describing yet another major event that occurred overnight.
I couldn’t have thought of a better way to decompress than to sit outside and bask in the unrelenting heat waves plaguing the planet. Many people think climate change is a serious issue but I actually enjoyed roasting in the nearly 100 degree weather like a rotisserie chicken.
Visiting my family was one of my favorite things I did over the summer, especially when we had heated conversations about the president’s decision to impose tariffs that could raise prices on basic essentials like food and clothing.
Much of my break was spent lounging around my house while reading about how the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested and shipped thousands of individuals to Guantanamo Bay and immigration detention centers.
I felt so relaxed, even while reading about the inhumane conditions to which detained immigrants are subjected.
We can’t forget the protests in Los Angeles against such unethical conduct, some of which were peaceful and others unruly. Nothing beats soaking up the sun on your back porch while learning that the National Guard and Marine Corps were sent to deescalate protesters.
On warmer days, I enjoyed unwinding by the pool with my best friend, even though other parts of the country were dealing with deadly weather conditions. The combination of poolside drinks and stories about floods and tropical storms destroying homes and taking lives in central Texas and North Carolina was absolutely rejuvenating.
My dad and I have listened to National Public Radio on our summer road trips for as long as I can remember, but I guess we’ll have to start listening to podcasts instead now that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is history. Who doesn’t love losing a tradition because of Congressional budget cuts?
I went on a beach trip in early May and enjoyed sitting by the shore, reading about missile attacks between Russia and Ukraine or the hundreds of casualties in Gaza. Seeing bleak images of destroyed homes and families grieving set the perfect vibe for summer.
One of my favorite parts of summertime is barbecuing. I loved unwinding this year by eating ribs and s’mores with my loved ones, despite any guilt I experienced this year knowing the people of Gaza are dying of malnutrition and starvation.
I took a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in light of the House of Representative’s recent budget cuts to the national parks system. There may be limited opportunities to visit our natural landmarks in the coming years because of reduced staff and resources, but at least I got to go this summer!
The summer season brought me great peace of mind, even while knowing that the 42 million people who rely on food stamps may be facing dire situations because of the Trump administration’s cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Blasting music in my truck with the windows down was a recurring activity over my summer break, and a recurring artist in my playlist was Ozzy Osbourne. The loss of the Prince of Darkness – alongside the infamous Hulk Hogan – made the perfect end to the summer season.
As we make our way back onto campus, the effects of federal budget cuts to public universities may become more apparent as tuition costs rise and the amount of faculty positions and financial aid opportunities lowers.
But look on the bright side, at least we had a few months off before having to worry about it all.
My summer break consisted of quality time with my loved ones, relaxation in the great outdoors and a healthy dose of global instability. I hope you feel as recharged as I do as we transition into the 2025-26 school year.