Nancy’s Summer Out & About 🏖️🗽⚽

Hellooo wonderful readers! This week, it is our pleasure from The Guitarrón Chronicles to recognize none other than our wonderful president and senior violinist, Nancy!

Hey everybody!! 👋

Nancy Martinez here, reporting live on July 19th, 2026, with a riveting summer update. Although I am an extreme working gal this summer, I still think it’s SUPER important to break out of routine and go on journeys after clocking out. So come along and read the installment as I share some of the experiences, adventures, and travels that have made this summer so memorable for me! Stay tuned! 

⛽Internship Shenanigans:

This summer, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a Project Controls intern for British Petroleum in Houston (well, Katy, if we’re being honest), Texas. It’s been such a different experience than what I’m used to, especially compared to my previous internship with a public transportation company. 

I’m learning more and more about the energy industry every day, and it feels like there is always more to learn. There is so much work and thought that goes into making these projects, it’s frankly unbelievable. The projects we work on are GINORMOUS, each presenting unique challenges that require creative problem-solving. My favorite! Between project work, networking, and hearing about attending some of the cool work events, bp has definitely succeeded in keeping me busy.

I’m currently 9 weeks into the 12-week internship, and it has really flown by. Especially now, as the momentum is starting to move really fast. One highlight of my time at bp was actually volunteering at the Houston Food Bank with them last Friday. It reminded me how much I enjoy those events and giving back to the community, and inspired me to keep going throughout the upcoming academic school year! 

🌴Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: 

One of my trips this summer was traveling to Puerto Vallarta for a large family reunion. My grandpa turned 80 years old, and his birthday wish was for all of his descendants to celebrate together at a beach resort. (Best wish! Thanks, grandpa!) The last time we had (mostly) all seen each other was for my grandparents’ 50th anniversary almost a decade ago, so I was super excited to see all my family again. He has 11 grandchildren, and now there are a handful of great-grandkids in the mix too. Moving everyone felt like coordinating a small field trip! 

It was such a special experience, full of peace, tranquility, and joy! Family means a lot to me, and having the chance to spend time with everyone, whether we were chatting, playing, dancing, eating, or simply laughing, created special moments I will always carry with me. The beach was beautiful, but the company was better. Without a doubt, I would jump at the chance to take this trip again if the opportunity arose! 

🗽New York, New York:

For America’s 250th birthday, I decided to try taking a big bite out of the Big Apple! Fun fact: this is the furthest North I’ve ever traveled! Before this, the most geographically north I had been was Los Angeles.

I absolutely loved New York. I’d always heard it was super fast-paced and that you had to stay on your toes, but I was absolutely amazed by how vibrant and energetic the city felt all the time. Around the clock, all 24 hours! There was always something happening, and I feel like we made the most of every second we had there. We watched fireworks, went to many restaurants, rode the subway, and the list goes on forever. 

One of my personal highlights of the trip was seeing my very first Broadway show. I LOVE theater, and there are few things that make me happier than watching people sing and dance on stage. I practically have musical soundtracks playing on Spotify 24/7. Seeing that level of talent and artistry in person was incredibly moving, and yes, I got very emotional. 

I would love to go back someday because it feels like I could’ve spent a whole year there and still found new things to do! It’s truly the city that never sleeps. 

🏙️Out and about in Houston:

When I’m not at work, I’ve been making the most of Houston life and exploring all sorts of new locations, and making sure that Rice Village staples didn’t collect dust while everyone was gone.

As someone who loves having activities planned after work, some of the best parts of my week have been checking out the thrift stores, participating in weekly trivia nights, checking out Montrose’s various happy hours, and overall just enjoying different corners of Houston. 

It’s also been a fun summer for soccer! My dad and I were closely following the World Cup and attending several World Cup-related events around the city, including the Netherlands’ famous Orange Parade that started on Rice Campus and finished at NRG Stadium. Congratulations to Spain for the World Cup win, can’t wait to watch the Women’s World Cup next summer! 

🪇Looking ahead:

Summer isn’t over yet, and I’m excited for what’s still to come. I will be going to a fun convention in Houston this weekend with my cousin, celebrating my birthday in early August, and of course, planning and organizing Mariachi and Rice Bikes events for another great year! There are plenty more Guitarron Chronicles updates ahead with my mariachi family so stay tuned for those amazing blogs!

Thanks for catching up with me! I hope you’re making the most of your summer and finding time for both work and fun. Especially fun!!!  

Saludos, 

Nancy Martinez

Thank you Nancy for a wonderful update! Your travels look like so much fun and full of love, and we’re glad you’ve been finding joy and meaning in your internship. We can’t wait for all the upcoming plans you have with Mariachi and Rice Bikes!

See ya next week!

Hannah and Danielle