Summer 2024, Boston. I was fortunate to spend the summer doing research on aging—work that challenged me, kept me curious, and made the long days feel worth it. But the city had its own lessons too, taught through long walks, late meals, and overheard conversations on crowded trains.

I’ve always loved cities that let you move: walkable streets, public transit that’s (usually) functional, and neighborhoods you can actually feel. Boston gave me all of that—and just enough Green Line chaos to keep things interesting.

And yes, the Celtics won the championship while I was there. I survived. Still a Laker fan.