Settling In & Gearing Up: A Week of Change - Week 24

Another week has flown by, and with conference just around the corner, everything feels like it's moving at double speed. While we technically don’t leave until Tuesday, my mind is already there—mentally preparing, going over my races, and trying to make sure I’m as ready as possible. It’s a mix of nerves and excitement, knowing that all the training I’ve put in this season is about to be tested.

One of the biggest changes this week was my move to the upperclassman hall. This was completely unexpected but a very welcome change. Now, I have a bigger room and—most importantly—my own bathroom. After months of dealing with the mess in my old dorm’s shared facilities, this feels like pure luxury. It’s a massive upgrade, and I’m looking forward to finishing out the semester in a much more comfortable space.

Another highlight of the week was receiving a care package from my family back home. It had all sorts of Swedish snacks and little things that instantly made me feel closer to home. It’s funny how something as simple as familiar food can bring so much comfort. Being so far away from Sweden isn’t always easy, but small moments like these make a big difference.

I also got a surprise cultural experience this week when some of my Latin-American teammates made arepas for everyone. I had never tried them this achentic before, and they were delicious. It was a really fun way to share in their culture, and I was grateful to be included. Food has a way of bringing people together, and this was no exception.

To wrap up the week, I shaved my beard and took part in a team photoshoot before conference. This time, we suited up in our tech suits, which made everything feel a little more real. Seeing everyone looking sharp and ready to go just added to the anticipation. Now, all that’s left is to lock in for conference. The countdown is practically over, and it’s time to put everything I’ve got into the pool. Here’s to making the most of the week ahead!