As the school year winds down and finals week looms, students at Southern Nazarene University are looking forward to a well-deserved summer break. While some will take on summer jobs or internships, others are planning road trips, relaxing vacations, or simply spending time with family and friends. No matter how they choose to spend their time away from campus, summer offers students the opportunity to recharge before the next academic year.
For some students, summer means heading back to their small hometowns and embracing the simplicity of home life. Dakota Sheffield, a sophomore student-athlete, is looking forward to returning to Tipton, Oklahoma, a town of only 800 people. With limited dining options in his town, Sheffield says that he and his brother “travel 30 minutes to enjoy pho at a nearby restaurant.” When asked what his favorite summer tradition is, Sheffield shares, “Golfing with my little brother at the course in Altus, Oklahoma.” His evenings are spent reconnecting with old friends at the town’s historic co-op–reminiscing about life and how much things have changed.
Others are using their summer to enjoy unique cultural experiences. Gavin Krone, an SNU student from Louisiana, is eager to return home and enjoy one of New Orleans’ most iconic dishes: “charbroiled oysters at Drago’s.” After indulging in the city’s famous cuisine, Krone and friends take in the vibrant art scene, exploring galleries and experiencing the energy of New Orleans nightlife. For them, summer is about embracing home traditions, and as he states, “making the most of what their city has to offer.”
While some students are gearing up for relaxation and travel, others are preparing for a busy schedule of work and training. Julian Campos has a packed summer ahead, balancing intense athletic training with a full-time job. His schedule “starts at 5 a.m. with training at Ross Strength and Speed, followed by a plumbing job that lasts until 7 p.m.” Even after a long workday, he still makes time for fieldwork in the evenings, pushing himself to stay in peak shape for the next season. It’s a demanding schedule, but Julian sees summer “as an opportunity to improve himself” both physically and professionally.
Whether students are working, traveling, or simply spending time with loved ones, summer is a time for growth, reflection, and fun. As SNU students wrap up another year, they are eager to take on new experiences before returning in the fall. No matter how they spend it, one thing is certain: summer will be over before they know it, and another exciting school year will be just around the corner.
Photos by: Jeremy Alcorn