Taking a TRIP into the Unknown by Anabela Relvas

​Hi everyone! My name is Anabela, and I’m so excited to join the TRIP community. Science has always fascinated me, especially how it helps us understand the world. I love that science can spark curiosity and lead to new discoveries, even in the most unexpected places. I heard about this program from my AP Biology teacher, and I’m so thankful that I did. I’m currently a junior at Lower Moreland High School.

​At school, I’m involved in a mix of activities. As a Mini-THON captain, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of a team dedicated to raising money for pediatric cancer. It’s all about bringing people together for a great cause, and I get to oversee everything from helping organize events to rallying the school to participate. We raised a quarter million dollars this last Mini-THON season alone, which still feels so surreal! Volunteering has always been something close to my heart. In my role as treasurer of my school’s Interact Club, I’ve worked to organize service projects like food drives, the Out of the Darkness Walk, and so much more. Outside of school, working with organizations like the Sunshine Foundation has been incredibly rewarding. Along with that, I’m a member of my school’s wind ensemble, where I play the alto and baritone saxophone, and I’ve had the opportunity to participate in my school’s jazz band as well. I’ve always loved music. That’s why I co-founded my school’s Guitar Club. I wanted to create a space where students could bond over music. It’s been an amazing way to share something I love with others. 

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​Today was the first day of TRIP. I got to meet the TRIP team: Dr. Purdy, Dr. Austria, Dr. Valdes, Mr. Cozzone, Phoebe, Amritha, and Martie. They were all so welcoming and supportive! We started with an icebreaker game that actually was fun (a rare occurrence, considering most icebreakers are just awkward silences disguised as “fun” activities). We got to talk to each other, match up fun facts, and guess who they belonged to. We were all motivated to win and get that Wawa gift card. Then, we did a quick scavenger hunt activity to review lab safety. In the lab, we learned how to use pipettes and micropipettes. We also learned about solutions, including the math needed to calculate the varying concentrations and amounts required. Using these skills, we prepared fly food for our kickoff experiment. For my kickoff experiment, I’ll be testing how Rhodiola and head trauma affect anxiety. Overall, my first day of TRIP was a great experience. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and feel excited for what lies ahead. I’m looking forward to sharing more updates on my progress, and I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish!

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​I love that science can spark curiosity and lead to new discoveries, even in the most unexpected places.