For those of us brave enough to tackle our education this quarter at Bellevue College, many are disheartened by the fact that we will be working much more strenuously due to the tighter curriculum. Students will be stuck in classrooms while the sun is out and our friends are on vacation. However, being enrolled in classes for the next couple of months does not mean we have to miss out on summer fun. Yes, we’ll have plenty of homework. Will there still be tests and final exams to study for? Affirmative. That doesn’t mean that we can’t find time to enjoy an action packed, highly satisfactory summer.
Time is the enemy of all BC students. However even the most dedicated of us manage to incorporate a few hours into each week for relaxation and personal enjoyment. How? We attend movies, concerts, restaurants, sports events, shopping centers, and spend time with friends. We may have less time this summer, but there is no shortage of things to do.
Superheroes smashed the box office in May with “The Avengers,” emphasizing the excitement for the summer releases of both “The Amazing Spiderman,” opening on July 3, and “The Dark Knight Rises” on July 20. Those more partial to animated films can catch Pixar’s “Brave,” or “Ice Age: Continental Drift.” Familiar faces can be admired in “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World,” starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightley. Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey will be costars in “Magic Mike.” And lastly, who would miss the president’s attack on vampires threatening our national security in “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter?”
There will be ample time to check these must-sees off of your cinematic checklist. Summer is also the perfect time to spruce up on popular literature. I’m not referring to those drab novel conferences that hold minimal relevance to your life. There are plenty of book clubs in the Bellevue area that are oriented towards specific interests and passions. Whether you are a mystery enthusiast, classic literature fanatic, or purchase progressive publications from various politicians, there is a book society for you. Check out meeting locations and times at http://bookclub.meetup.com/cities/us/wa/bellevue/.
Amongst the cost of tuition, parking, textbooks and so on, the student body’s favorite word is “free.” Thespians should be aware of Seattle Shakespeare Company’s Wooden O summer program. Free presentations of “The Winter’s Tale” and “Twelfth Night” will be taking place in various locations not far from Bellevue College. Luther Burbank Park, Des Moines Beach Park, Lynndale Park, Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion, Issaquah Community Center, Anderson Park and Pine Lake Park are just a few popular locations for Wooden O.
History scholars are advised to check out the Pacific Science Center’s King Tutankhamun exhibit, which will be on display all summer. The exhibit features more than a hundred objects from King Tut’s tomb as well as artifacts from ancient sites representing some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. “Mysteries of Egypt,” and “Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs” are currently being shown at the Pacific Science Centers IMAX theatre to accompany the display.
Wild Waves will be adding “Flying Eagle Zip Line” and “Downhill Tubin” to their 60 attractions this summer. Picture yourself on a reclining chair at the wave pool, textbook on your lap and a bowl of Dippin’ Dots in your hand; that’s not too bad, now is it?
Students should not despair over hours spent on campus or projects to be completed. Studying should be the priority, but there is no reason to exclude awesome opportunities from our schedule this quarter. Let’s have a great summer, Bulldogs!