As a Master’s student in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Lancaster, my summer is all about wrapping up my academic journey, with one final challenge: the dissertation.

But this isn’t just any research project. I’m working on a client-based dissertation, which means I submit one report to a real company and another academic version to my professor. It’s a lot of work, I won’t lie - but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the course. I get to apply everything I’ve learned while representing Lancaster’s standards of quality and professionalism.

My project focuses on something called Retail Data Carbon. Basically, it is how we can track and reduce carbon emissions in the supply chain of retail businesses and aim for sustainability. It’s a big, complex topic, but also incredibly timely and exciting. I still remember the immense happy moments when hearing from the client that this is making real impacts on the world.

Along the way, I’ve learned not just about carbon data, but also about teamwork: understanding how each team member’s strengths, needs, and roles can shift over time - and how important it is to adapt with them.

Our deadline is in September, and that marks the end of my academic life but also the beginning of a new chapter in the real working world. I am so excited but nervous at the same time!

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this summer isn’t about logistics or carbon emissions—it’s about life. I realised that there will always be problems, but life keeps going on. Don’t forget to live, and it’s okay to just live. We don’t always need to be chasing the “perfect” career or becoming the “great” person others expect us to be, in order to be happy. What matters most is becoming the person you love being!

Goodbyes, BBQs, and Bittersweet Moments

Summer at Lancaster also means graduation season for final-year undergrads, starting around mid-July. It’s a bittersweet time. I’ve been saying goodbye to many amazing friends who’ve been part of my journey this past year.

We’ve had farewell BBQs, intense board game nights, and even some billiards duels. My heart is especially full (and a bit heavy) saying goodbye to friends, especially those who I’ve played weekly badminton with since the beginning of the academic year. I’ll also miss the warm hugs and chaotic laughter shared with my lovely Vietnamese Society.

Lancaster has truly been a happy chapter of my life. I’ve fallen in love with the peaceful, healing environment. Life here feels calm when you need rest, and fast when you’re focused - like the perfect balance. Honestly, a part of me wishes I could stay a little longer.

But it’s time to move forward, and that’s okay too. We grow, we leave, and we begin again.

To Future Lancaster Students

If you’re thinking about coming to Lancaster, I’m cheering you on. Your journey will be uniquely yours - full of growth, friendship, maybe some tears, but also lots of joy. I hope you live it fully, in a way that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.

It’s going to be an exciting ride. Good luck and welcome in advance!

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