Thursday, May 7, 2009
It’s finally here. Well, almost. The conclusion of finals next week marks the beginning of Summer 2009 for University students. Summer’s arrival leaves many wondering how to spend the next three months of pure ambrosia. Though academics are important, summer is supposed to be a good time. Warm weather, cold beer, spending time with friends and simply relaxing are all awesome and come hand-in-hand with summer. Students need to find a balance between being somewhat productive and just having a good time. Here are six ideas about how to maximize your summer’s fun level, while being productive at the same time.
1. Go on a road trip. Though the turbulent economic times might have many thinking travel is not an option, students can get creative and still have an excellent adventure. Assembling a crew of four or five friends isn’t tough, and splitting the cost of gas makes road tripping a relatively inexpensive way to spend a weekend. Kansas’ proximity to Colorado, Lake of the Ozarks and many other great places makes it an excellent road trip starting point, as well.
2. Take a summer class. It’s common knowledge that graduating from the University in four years is damn near impossible. Getting some extra credits in by knocking out an easy requirement is a great idea and allows for more fun and less stress in the fall.
3. Live in a cool place. Tyler Manson, Wichita sophomore, spent the summer of 2008 living in the small mountain town of Burlington, Vt. Manson and a close friend decided to move to the beautiful Appalachian wonderland after catching word from a friend who was living there at the time. He commented on his summer experience.
“I live for my summers,” Manson said. “As much as schoolwork and graduating college might be important, being able to experience things you can’t during the school year — things you’ve always wanted to do — is important, too.”
4. Get an internship. Francis Enright, Chicago sophomore, spends his summers networking and making connections in his home city. Enright plans on interning at Mesirow Financial, working on 401(k) portfolios. Though sitting behind a desk all summer isn’t very appealing, internships can help you line up your dream job after graduation.
“It’s beneficial in the long run,” Enright said. “I already know a lot of people in the financial and advertising market just through networking through internships.”
5. Go to a concert or music festival. An abundance of good music festivals and concerts take place during the summer. Though Wakarusa unfortunately no longer calls Lawrence home, other festivals such as Lollapalooza in Chicago, 10,000 Lakes in Minnesota, Bonnaroo in Tennessee and Rothbury in Michigan are all great ways to hear good music and spend time with friends.
6. Make some money. Mike Quattrochi, Chicago sophomore, plans on spending his summer waiting tables at the Lawrence Country Club. The money he makes this summer will go directly to his “fun fund” for next fall.
“I figure with most of the fun happening during the regular school year when most of my friends are here, the chance to make tons of money during the summer will allow me to have more fun during the school year,” Quattrochi said.
On behalf of The Kansan, we wish everyone at the University a wonderful summer. Whether you spend it in Lawrence or somewhere else, working or traveling, have fun and enjoy.
— -Danny Nordstrom, The Kansan Editorial Board
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