Classes are finally over, and summer is here. 100 days of pure bliss. From backyard barbeques and sandy beach volleyball, to toasty campfires with friends, taking exotic vacations that make for the best Instagram-worthy photos, late night stargazing, or even spending a ridiculous amount of hours lounging by the pool in an attempt to get the perfect tan, one is sure to make incredible memories.

While summer is something that typically allows for college students to get away from campus for a few months, for some, it is a little different.

Working on attaining his master’s degree, Ashland University student Chen Chen is an Education major. Originally from China, he decided instead of going home for the summer, he would rent an apartment off campus to pursue his passion of studying the art of acupuncture.

“In China, I am an acupuncturist and [was studying to take] the American acupuncture license exam,” said Chen. “I had to stay here because I had not yet completed my examination. My other friends chose to either go back to China, or [visit] other places to travel. Last week, I actually just passed [the exam].

When Chen was not busy preparing for the acupuncture exam, in his free time, he loved to go to the gym or play superhero computer games. He is very excited and relieved that due to his endless hours of hard work and dedication to studying, it finally payed off. To celebrate, Chen will be visiting New York very soon.

AU senior Jasone Montgomery is a Sports Management major. Originally from Marion, Ohio, he decided to live on campus in Jacobs Hall for his second summer in a row.

Spending his days working for the Transportation Department in Ashland, attending football practice every day, and spending lots of quality time with friends and family, Montgomery believes that summer went by extremely fast due to always having something to keep him entertained.

“I go to Mansfield, I hang out with my co-workers, and go home just about every weekend,” said Montgomery.

Additionally, he wanted to make his summer even more jam-packed with activities. So, he traveled to the Bahamas on a cruise ship, visiting Freeport and Nassau.

AU sophomore Shamela Perera is a Business Management major. Originally from Sri Lanka, she decided to live on campus in Jacobs Hall over the summer. Working eight-hour days for the Grounds Maintenance Crew in Ashland, she had her hands full with weeding and watering all of the flowers around campus.

For fun, Perera likes to lounge while surfing social media, take naps, attend church every Sunday, and head downtown to the local Ashland coffee shop, the Downtown Perk, for a delicious cup of coffee every so often. She says her decision to stay on campus over the summer was one that she does not regret making.  

“It has been amazing; I have gotten to meet so many kind and generous people,” said Perera. “They have really blessed me. I love it here.”

The only downside, Perera acknowledged, was not having access to air conditioning while living in Jacobs- as the blazing summer heat circulated throughout the facility.

Ultimately, with every living space, there are ups and downs, although it is all about how one adjusts that matters.

Working on attaining her master’s degree, AU student Aashrita Sodagam is a Business Management major. Originally from India, she decided to live on campus in Jacobs Hall due to efficiency costs.

 Initially, Sodagam divulged that she was not particularly happy about living on campus due to being unfamiliar with the living quarters.

“For everything, there are two sides to a coin,” said Sodagam. “But the other side of the coin is brighter. This kind of living is very new to me with [sharing] a bathroom and a kitchen. I actually started to like it here and have made some really nice friends.”

In her free time, Sodagam is passionate about exploring and seeing the world. From kayaking, to boating, going on long drives, and traveling to different states, she loves it all.

Additionally, she prefers to cook all sorts of tantalizing dishes for herself and friends. She noted that the only downside to living in Jacobs is that the lack of an elevator makes it somewhat difficult to carry multiple pots and pans up and down the stairs various times throughout the day. Although Sodagam has gotten used to the idea of living in a dorm, she plans to move into an apartment off campus soon.

With their summer spent on campus, these AU students are proof that it is possible to work hard and maintain an active social life while having fun on campus at Ashland.