The Time Tyler Took on TRIP by Tyler Yannuzzi

As TRIP comes to a close and I reflect on all that I have learned I can be nothing but thankful for all the experiences that I had. I have been able to understand more and more about science and my future. The experiences all around had ups and downs, yet through it all, I found a way to strive. As the days went on, the work did not let up but I loved it. I loved going in everyday seeing familiar smiling faces and hard workers. I loved staying late or switching times to make sure all my work was done. I shed no tears, but I know I will miss TRIP.  

However, I know that TRIP has brought nothing but positivity into my life. Working in the lab became comfortable. I’m honestly excited to see what other roles I can play in similar environments. For now, I am leaving the subject and the field open, because I am still not sure what fits me best. The presentation is less than a week away and nerves are high, yet I am prepared. I know how to execute as I’ve been taught how. The emotions are mixed because I can not help but be anxious, while still knowing I will succeed.

My project took some turns and results were not always predictable. Thus, this lack of predictability allowed me to learn more about my experiments. I understand more about the prebiotic that was tested and I remain curious to learn more about it. I want to really look into how it affects the microbiome. While I scrapped more than just the surface I know I can dig deeper. There is always more to learn. This is, of course, no failure only increased curiosity. And this curiosity sparks growth. Curiosity is what got me into TRIP and surely I have grown. I am so glad that I have come to know such wonderful people at TRIP. I hope one day that I end up as some sort of educator. The work that is done by the teachers and teaching assistants at TRIP is inspiring. Their passion for science is what sparks the curiosity and I am thankful that I’ve been made more curious.

​As this journal style piece comes to a close I’ll end with a brief bit of life outside of TRIP and what my future holds. Two weeks before the last lab day of TRIP I ended my spring semester at Penn State Abington. My entrepreneurship class there has allowed me to expand the way I think, while also experiencing a college environment. It was a wonderful experience and I’m excited to spend two more semesters there over the course of my senior year. Additionally, I’ve been able to work hard in volleyball and climb up the later to start to play varsity. My volleyball career looks bright and I’m excited to continue playing this summer, fall, and back to the next regular season. The future holds a great deal of potential and I can’t wait to see it come to fruition.