As we spring into a new semester, students are reminiscing about their month-long winter break. Whether they traveled, relaxed at home, or worked on projects, it’s clear that this free time was much needed and allowed for some amazing opportunities for students. Today, I invited some fellow QUESTees to share their about experiences during the break.

First, I spoke to Imaad Syed, an electrical engineering major from Cohort 39, to learn more about a project he’s been working on in the Photonics Research Lab at UMD. Syed is a part of the electrical engineering honors program and was able to continue his research on the fiber optic system during break. Because of varying fluctuations in the fiber length, the polarization levels can change. This can cause the receiver in an optic system to incorrectly interpret a signal.

Syed’s solution is to use a single polarization controller that can adjust the polarization state and maintain frame alignment, leading to a more accurate interpretation of the signals. Because he also lives quite close to UMD, Syed was able to come in frequently during the break to tackle this challenge and make new discoveries. 

“It can definitely be a lot sometimes, but I find it really interesting, and I’ve learned a lot from the past courses I’ve taken. I feel more confident now going into the lab myself and learning from my mistakes.” Syed is looking forward to continuing the project this semester and can’t wait to go to Silicon Valley for his QUEST elective over spring break!

While some QUESTees worked on fascinating projects, others traveled across the country. Eileen Chen, a finance and information systems major from Cohort 41, went traveling to Thailand and China. “We visited China since I actually have family there! We were able to visit my grandparents and my aunt which was really nice as we haven’t been back since before COVID.” Chen also visited Bangkok for the first time and particularly enjoyed getting to see different islands. “It was really beautiful! My favorite island was Phuket Island, and we also got to rent a boat which was a lot of fun for us.” 

Coming up, Chen is excited to visit her friends over spring break in Madrid. They are currently studying abroad, so she is looking forward to reuniting with everyone again! She is also taking part in a consulting case competition in Seattle with a few classmates later this semester, including some fellow QUESTees.

Similarly, Naasera Husain, an operations management and business analytics major in Cohort 43, also traveled over break to Puerto Rico as well as Chicago and Boston! Husain especially enjoyed the beaches in Puerto Rico and the food it had to offer. She also had a blast getting to see old friends in Chicago and Boston, despite the cold weather. 

“Winter break was a lot of fun, but I’m excited for this semester too! I’m starting the 390H course for QUEST (Designing Innovative Systems), and my classes are finally more geared towards my major which is really motivating for me.”

Lastly, I reached out to Raquel Ford, a marketing student in Cohort 42, who participated in the National Retail Federation (NRF) student program in New York City, for which she was a student ambassador. Ford found the opportunity especially insightful as she got to listen to speakers involved in retail and fashion, which is an interest she is passionate in pursuing. 

After that, Ford traveled across Europe to Milan, Florence, and Rome for a short-term study abroad program called “Sustaining Luxury.” Ford was able to network with several companies like Wrad, Kering, Panerai, and Gruppo Florence. “This was definitely my favorite part of winter break. It was awesome to immerse myself in the world of fashion and learn so much about the business of all of it; it felt like my professional dreams were coming true!” 

This semester, Ford hopes to continue pursuing opportunities in fashion to land an internship this summer.

Even though winter break is over, these experiences only motivate students to keep up their hard work and stay focused. Before we know it, we’ll all be off pursuing our passions and maybe even traveling the world. Until then, spring invites us to a warm and welcoming semester!