Students plan for travel, work this summer

   As summer approaches, most Southern Miss students are looking forward to the break from school, but some are looking even farther ahead to what comes after college.

   According to associatedcontent.com, out of the top 10 things to do this summer, swimming in number one on the list, followed by going to parties, the mall, movies, gyms, amusement parks, concerts, community parks and, finally, work.

   Many of these things can be accomplished on a frugal budget, but some students are still gearing up to enjoy the summer despite the economy.

   Ashley Hall, a junior therapeutic recreation major with a minor in psychology, said she is taking time off from work to travel and relieve herself from the harsh realities of school.

   "Me and my boyfriend are going on a cruise to Hawaii, and then going to Waco, Texas for his family's reunion," Hall said. "I am really excited to get away, because I am tired of Hattiesburg."

   Joseph Reiling, a senior forensic science major who is graduating May 8, said he plans to find a job this summer, but will not let the lounging chairs pass him by.

   "My parents are paying for me to go on a cruise to Mexico for my grandparent's 50th anniversary," he said, "and I am looking forward to seeing them."

   Christy Gleber, another graduating senior and political science major, said she is also planning to spend time with family.

   "Family is very important to me," Gleber said. "I am going on vacation to North Carolina, and planning to help my brother start college this fall."

   Gleber added that some of her summer break will be interrupted by hunting for and working at a job. Other Southern Miss students are also taking time out from their summer breaks to get a proverbial foot in the door to a successful career path.

   Chandra Jones, a senior broadcast journalism major who is graduating next Saturday, said she is applying to graduate schools and sending out resumes to local television stations, but has yet to receive a positive outcome.

    "It's very hard for me personally because … a lot of local TV stations are on a hiring freeze, and with economy being so bad, it's really forcing me to apply for grad school" Jones said. "Hopefully I will get accepted to one of the schools I have applied to and go from there."