It is the last few weeks of the semester. Registration for next year has ended, papers are due and finals are looming. In other words, summer vacation is right around the corner.
Everyone has a different plan for their summer; some are planning to further their college career, while others want to have some fun before the next semester. Either way, there are many options this summer for students interested in furthering their education as well as options for fun, affordable activities any student can do to guarantee a good summer break.
Admittedly, summer classes at Lewis can be costly, so it may be more affordable for students to take their summer classes at a community college.
Joliet Junior College and the College of DuPage offer many non-academic classes including yoga and ballroom dancing that count for summer credits.
Summer internships are useful for any college student. Depending on your major, the company and the program, you may or may not be paid. Regardless, an internship definitely enhances a resume. A summer internship can also be a great opportunity to see what it is like to work in the real world.
Other activities include becoming a volunteer for an organization, where you can help other people. Many students obtain seasonal jobs, like a lifeguard or camp counselor, and these ensure extra spending money while also helping you enjoy the outdoors. Either way, a summer job or volunteer experience are good additions to your resume.
College students usually surpass traveling vacations because they are expensive, but affordable vacations do exist.
STA Travel (statravel.com) is the leading student travel website, as they have the best summer travel deals and have agents who work personally with students’ budgets to ensure both a practical and enjoyable vacation.
The best deals of the day are posted on the homepage of the website everyday and the destinations offered are aimed at interesting students under the age of 26. This website and others alike give students a chance to travel cheaply over summer.
Locally, there are places that are affordable or even free to visit for an enjoyable summer day. Wisconsin Dells is a local favorite, with specialty resorts and indoor and outdoor water parks.
The Dells are about four hours north of Lewis and their website offers many deals and packages for an affordable visit.
Six Flags Great America is also popular, especially for the younger crowd. Six Flags is a theme park, complete with eight large roller coasters and Hurricane Harbor, which is a water park adjacent to the theme park. Six Flags is located in Gurnee, IL, which is about an hour away from Lewis and a day ticket is only $34.99 for one person, if you catch the online special.
Starved Rock State Park is only an hour away from Lewis, in Utica, IL, and it is a great place to hike for the day for free. Starved Rock Lodge also offers hotel rooms, cabins and camp sites for an affordable overnight stay.
Without a doubt, Lewis students are looking forward to the upcoming summer break.
Kathleen Johnston is planning to work three jobs during the summer, and then is going to travel to San Diego in August.
Cassie Martinson is hoping for an internship, but otherwise just wants to enjoy her summer by going to Cubs games, concerts and by lying by the pool.
So whatever the plan for any student, everyone a chance for a fun, productive summer.
Kari Hart, Staff Reporter
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