Students find ways to pass the time

By: Sarah Thomas

Posted: 5/13/09

As the semester draws to a close, the minds of students usually become overwhelmed with thoughts of summer vacation and how to spend it.

For many, returning to hometowns and spending time with family and old friends is routine at the end of a spring semester. For others, spending the summer in Whitewater is the norm.

For those summer Whitewater-dwellers, however, it can seem hard to keep occupied in the small, otherwise-quiet town ... at least on the surface.

One thing that can help are taking summer classes, but for something more immediately productive, experienced Whitewater summer residents recommend searching for summer employment.

"There was not a lot to do, so I got a job at Esker," senior Dante Donelson said.

The city of Whitewater also offers summer enrichment programs and events that are commonly in need of extra hands for activities.

Volunteering is a great way to pass time during long summer days in Whitewater.

According to the Whitewater summer brochure, volunteering opportunities include helping to produce a cable show for Cable 98, assisting with community luncheon plans, van driving and publicity assistance.

Summer entertainment can also be found by getting involved on-campus.

"I worked for the pre-college program during the summer," sophomore Trevon Tucker said. "It was very fun and it felt good to help."

The city of Janesville also provides students with many options for summer entertainment.

"I went to the mall in Janesville a lot over the summer." Donelson said. Janesville mall is located on 2500 Milton Ave.

"They have some fun stuff to do at the mall, like the arcade. It's a good place to go when you are bored." Tucker said.

For those looking to remain active and get some exercise during summer vacation, the Williams Center is open though out the summer and offers summer memberships to students for $50.

Alumni and additional family members can purchase memberships that cost $50 to $110, depending on what type of membership purchased.

The summer hours for the Williams Center weight room are Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Working out at the Williams Center is a good way to come into contact with other students who may be sticking close to campus this summer.

"You should try to meet as many people as possible while you are here," sophomore Samuel Foster said.

In addition to activities on campus, the city of Whitewater also offers summer activities and festivals. Cravath Lakefront Park, located on Fremont Street, offers free concerts and family nights.
One of the festivals that will be going on this summer is the Independence Day festival, which runs from July 3-5. The festival features events such as fireworks, free music performances and a parade.

"It would be great if [the Student Entertainment Awareness League] did some activities over the summer, like movies." Foster said.

Depending on what interests you, finding ways to pass hot summer days in Whitewater can be easier than expected.