INFORMS Open Forum

  • 1.  What Did You Do for Summer Vacation?

    Posted 08-28-2025 11:30

    As summer winds down here in the U.S., the INFORMS team wants to hear from you. How did you spend your summer?

    Did you take the road trip of a lifetime, jet off to a dream destination, or enjoy a relaxing staycation filled with home projects? Whether you traveled far or stayed close to home, we’d love to hear about it!

    I was lucky enough to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy with my family and especially loved exploring the canals of Venice.

    Drop a comment below and share your summer story! Bonus points for photos!



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    Garrett Johnston
    Membership Engagement Coordinator
    gjohnston@informs.org
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  • 2.  RE: What Did You Do for Summer Vacation?

    Posted 08-29-2025 09:38

    I spent my summer applying to jobs and developing data analysis skills into a portfolio. I participated in my first political protest! 

    Garrett, that trip sounds amazing. I think we need to normalize trips like that do they're not just "once-in-a-lifetime." 🛣️



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    Melisande Fritzsche
    Emerging Technology Analyst
    Internal Revenue Service
    Ogden UT
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  • 3.  RE: What Did You Do for Summer Vacation?

    Posted 08-29-2025 09:51

    That sounds like a productive summer Melisande! And I definitely agree, we need to normalize making time for life experiences, so they don't feel like "once in a lifetime" events!

    Good luck with your career search! Don't forget to check the Available Positions community if you haven't already!



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    Garrett Johnston
    Membership Engagement Coordinator
    gjohnston@informs.org
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  • 4.  RE: What Did You Do for Summer Vacation?

    Posted 08-29-2025 10:00
    Edited by Beth West 08-29-2025 10:02

    My husband's family has been doing a Bethany Beach trip for 51 years straight! Same week every year, and in 2024 we hit a record with 137 people. Family comes in from California, Colorado, Florida, New York, and of course those of us who are closer. It's always such a fun week, and my kids absolutely love getting to see all their cousins and extended family.

    I'm hiding on the left side :)



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    Beth West
    Senior Community Relations Coordinator
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  • 5.  RE: What Did You Do for Summer Vacation?

    Posted 08-29-2025 12:15

    I spent 2 weeks in Romania, and one of the highlights was driving the Transfăgărășan .  See the pic looking down at one half of the drive.  Why did the bear cross the road?   So we could take a video!

    Looking down the valley of the Transfăgărășan
    Bear crossing the road


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    -Irv Lustig
    Optimization Principal
    Princeton Consultants
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  • 6.  RE: What Did You Do for Summer Vacation?

    Posted 08-31-2025 12:32

    Beautiful blend of nature and man-made



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    Uthman Kareem
    University of Texas at Arlington
    Arlington TX
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