A sample of my symbolic logic homework from MODR 1711… it was actually fun, I promise 🙂

This summer I decided to stay at Glendon rather than return home to Chatham – I was ready for a change and staying in the big city seemed very enticing. So I arranged to take a summer class, MODR 1711, Critical Thinking (quite an interesting course by the way, I LOVED the Symbolic Logic – each question was a puzzle to solve), got hired as a full-time work study student at Academic Services and was lucky enough to be accepted as a summer Don, everything fell into place beautifully.

My friend Kate and I after running our colourful 5k! 🙂

The first month was great, I was so excited to be in Toronto for the summer, I got a chance to attend some amazing events including Paint the Halls, Doors Open Toronto, 5k Color Me Rad run, volunteering at Glendon’s convocation ceremony, and was able to hang out with friends while exploring places of the city I had never been before, Greektown (I recommend you all go eat at Folia Grill if ever you’re near Pape street), The Beaches, Little Italy – it was marvellous!

However… most of my friends live off campus and so getting together took WAY more effort than it did during the year (when arranging a hangout meant walking across the hall and down a flight of stairs, rather than having to TTC to designated location and hope to meet up in the crowded streets of Toronto)! Many nights, therefore, were made use of as downtime, catching up on movies, tv shows and books (and let me tell you I’ve read some interesting books this summer!). This lazying about is fine in moderation and, in my opinion part of what summer is about, but still, sometimes it feels wasteful to be in Toronto and not be taking advantage of the various events the city has to offer – considering that there is something going on somewhere any given night of the year!
Honestly though, sometimes, after a whole day at work relaxing in my res-room during the evening is nice.

A shaded spot on the outskirts of the quad – perfect for reading, conversing or reflecting 🙂

As a summer resident, I get to see the campus at its most beautiful! The trees are green and full, the flowers around the manor are in full bloom, in various vibrant colours.
And more than once while climbing the rose garden stairs from the gym back up the residence I have come upon a wedding party in the midst of a photo shoot in front of our stunning manor or in the picturesque rose garden – I wonder, whether I will be showing up in any of their pictures…

Although there are fewer Glendon students on campus during the summer, Glendon is occupied by non-Glendon students from June-August, as the residence buildings host 2 summer camps, Explore and Sol Camps, both language-learning programs, in addition to renting rooms like a hostel.

All in all though the campus is rather serene and the whole atmosphere of Glendon in the summer is quite relaxed, which can be nice for a while, but I think the key to being a happy summer resident is to keep yourself busy! Whether by having a job, taking a summer course, making plans with friends or taking on summer projects such as learning to play an instrument, getting into shape, writing, improving your cooking skills or meditating, it is essential to occupy your days otherwise they will pass you by and before you realize, it’ll be September again!

I hope you’re all enjoying your summer and making the most of your time off. And I’m curious, where did you end up this summer – let me know in the comments! 😀