During the summer break, Linfield’s campus is not completely empty. While most students are home for the summer, other Wildcats spend these warm months on campus. Although most resident halls are closed for the summer, a few operate as summer housing, including Potter Hall, “The Whites” (College Avenue Apartments) and more. Despite it being the same location, the summer atmosphere is quite different from when classes are in session.
Incoming junior psychology major Margot Pressman resides on campus for the summer because she has an internship at Juliette’s House, a child abuse advocacy center located in McMinnville. Pressman claims campus during the break is calm and quiet, although there are often events on campus such as sports camps and conventions which can be a fun surprise when walking around campus.
Luckily, Pressman, staying in The Whites, is satisfied with Linfield’s summer housing.
“Summer housing has been nice,” she said. “It’s the first time I’ve lived in an apartment on campus, and I am very grateful for the kitchen.”
Pressman’s favorite thing to do on campus is taking long walks on the Wellness Trail behind Nicholson Library. Pressman was asked if she missed home in Lake Oswego.
“I have been visiting home a lot,” Pressman said. “I haven’t really gotten a chance to miss it!”
Although she enjoys the much-needed break, Pressman is excited to get back into the swing of things for fall semester.
Junior math major Skylar McLeod is also staying on campus for an internship though his is with the math department researching Spectral Graph Theory. He is staying at “The Reds” (540 Linfield Avenue Apartments) which he enjoys as they are spacious and comfortable.
His favorite thing to do on campus in the summer is hang out with friends with his extra free time, although he misses his family and hometown friends. Being from Folsom, Calif., he does not get to see them very much staying in McMinnville.
McLeod also claims campus is quiet and empty over the summer, besides the occasional sport camp or other events that the campus hosts. McLeod likes both the serenity of campus in the summer and the bustle of campus during classes. However, he is looking forward to the fall semester.
“I think this coming term is going to be fun and I’m excited for the classes I am taking and the things I’m involved in,” McLeod said.
Junior marketing major Sophie Benke appreciates the tranquility and change of pace of campus in the summer. She is at Linfield over the summer for work, working for Conferences and Events, which she loves.
Although Benke enjoys The Whites because she appreciates living in an apartment, she doesn’t love having to move twice in 3 months when she is staying on campus.
Benke’s favorite things to do in McMinnville and on campus are to walk to Union Block, a local coffee shop, and hang out with her roommate. She is from Vancouver, Wash., and misses going downtown to the waterfront and walking her dog.
Even though she misses home, Benke is grateful for summer on campus because she can focus on herself.
“Sometimes with school it gets overwhelming and I start to feel a bit more lost,” Benke said. “Summer is definitely a saving grace for me!”
Even though most students spend their time off at home, others are still enjoying their summer on campus and in McMinnville. Whether it be long walks, coffee or friends, these students still have something to look forward to after their internships and jobs. For many, Linfield serves as a home away from home, even during the summer.
