Share:

The rare opportunity to have four months off for summer break is available to PCC students if they decide not to take classes during the extended spring and summer intersessions. However, many students are foregoing lengthy vacations and are using their time wisely and moving in a practical direction.

Rafael Palacios, undecided, is planning on taking summer classes and working extra hours at Pizza Hut where he has worked since June. He said that this is a chance for students to step up their game.

“[Students can] choose to be productive or not; it’s up to them,” he said. Palacios is choosing to keep busy with classes, work, and hopefully trips to Venice Beach and San Diego.

Pavel Nikitin, undecided, also intends to work and take classes over the break. “I’m planning to take two [summer] classes and work at an ice cream shop near my house,” said Nikitin.

Other students are using the time off to work and find jobs.

Trevor Salazar, art major, is working extra shifts at Mamma’s Brick Oven over the summer. “I need the money,” he said.

Nick Phelps, undecided, plans to use his time wisely over the break. “I’m trying to find a job and a cool place to stay,” he said.

Lauralee Andrews, business, earned a business certificate from PCC, but she has come back to take a few other business classes. She plans to spend the break job hunting. “I’m looking for work,” Andrews said.

Alex Villa, biology, will try to juggle working and some fun vacation trips. “I’m working full time, and I’ll use the leftover time to travel,” he said. Villa plans to visit North Carolina and New York in the summer. He also wants to use the time to move out and get his own place.

Other students need the classes to transfer. Brittney Chung, nutrition major, plans to transfer to UCSD. “I’m taking both terms,” she said. She wants to also take some trips and work more hours at 21 Choices, an ice cream shop.

Some students are taking advantage of the open classes to get ahead on their units.

Chloe Carter Hernandez, political science major, wants to take classes during summer and extended spring. “The goal is to take classes both terms,” she said. Hernandez also hopes to squeeze in a quick trip to Hawaii if her class schedule permits it.

Jasmine Baylosis, nursing, also plans to take classes both terms and take a trip over the break. “I’m going to Canada,” she said. “I love Canada.” Baylosis hopes to visit her family members who live in Canada.

Follow: