The dimly lit room in the Mitchell Recreation and Athletics Center rests quiet, vacant from the dance, fencing, and yoga activities that fill it during the academic year at Denison University.

It’s a place of serenity. Away from the eyes of the world and the pressures of the day, sweat drips on the floor.

My time as a student, filled with constant classes and work, prevents me from being here. Now that summer has come — I have begun to box.

The thud of gloves on the dummy and heavy breathing fills the room. The extended days of the summer provide me with the time for such a pleasure. Three, one, two, one.  My punches pound through the air. On the verge of vomit is the uncontrollable smile of hard work.

Have a Bright Spot to share? Send it to Managing Editor Julia Lerner (lernerj@denison.edu). Tell us about the moment that made you smile in under 200 words, and try to include a photograph. We’ll add it to our growing list of Bright Spots on TheReportingProject.org!