Well as Freshman year comes to an end, summer is
fast approaching. Durham and I, after much lamenting, cursing and begging on my
part, have come to a pleasant agreement about the weather. Today is LDOC (Last
Day of Class) and one of Duke’s biggest celebrations of the academic year (more
to follow on that). As everyone prepares to store their stuff for the summer
(why why do I have so much stuff?) the question on everyone’s lips is “What are
you doing this summer?”
I have found this question and the culture of
the American college summer to be very interesting. Quite frankly in Australia,
you finish your last exam, head to the nearest bar and then the nearest club
and for the rest of break spend it travelling and going out with friends. Part
time work is really only engaged with to fund these activities. In America,
well at Duke particularly it is very different.
A lot of students will head off on DukeEngage,
which according to its website “provides full funding for select Duke
undergraduates” for an “immersive summer of service in partnership with a U.S.
or international community.” This is an amazing opportunity that Duke provides,
one that is eagerly anticipated and a pivotal part of many Dukies experiences. (
For the vast majority of these college students,
internships are the goal. Some secured theirs half way through last semester,
others have been pursuing them throughout the past few months. From Microsoft,
to law firms, Google or shadowing doctors internships are the way to go. The
more competitive the better.
But the work doesn’t stop there. In efforts to get
ahead, boost their GPA, or follow that pre-med track a lot of students stay on
campus…taking summer classes.
Yes it is a long break, nearly four months in fact, and
so I think that it is great that these students are so motivated to get ahead,
to challenge themselves. However, having come from a different culture, seeing
my friends finish their first year at university and enjoy their break – I
think there is something to be said for a different kind of summer. Saving up
for a six week long trip to Europe by waiting on tables all year, lying on the
beach and catching up with old friends, simply recuperating and having fun can
teach you important things too. The value of money, the beauty of the wider
world, the joy of friendship. Balance is crucial.
I am so excited for my summer! I spend two weeks in San
Diego at Shelby’s home (one of my best friends here). Then my parents come to
visit (ahhh cannot wait!!!) and explore California with me. As part of the
Robertson community summer I then go off to Mississippi where I will be doing
community based journalism with Coopwood Communications. I am going to see a
totally different side to America, one that most Americans don’t even
experience and witness the gender and racial disparity I have been reading
about. Just as I might boil to death in Mississippi’s summer heat, I jet-set
off to France and see the lovely parents again for three weeks of exploration,
French practice and baguettes.
I will miss all my Duke friends but am ready to break
out of the Duke bubble for a little while at least. I hope that everyone had an
amazing summer, but also finds time to rest and have fun. As a true Sydney girl…there’s
nothing a little vitamin D and pool/ocean side fun can’t fix.
Images:
http://www.epivax.com/blog/free-day-pass-aaps-2014-san-diego-schwag/
http://townmapsusa.com/d/map-of-cleveland-mississippi-ms/cleveland_ms
http://kandkadventures.com/the-clean-streets-of-paris/
