Aggieland may have turned into a ghost town, but those who stayed behind are making the most of their summer.
Certainly, the summer heat encapsulates a plethora of attitudes amongst the students. A distracted mind can find focus in their studies, while a sociable person can recharge and spend time with loved ones. Like-minded individuals as well as oppositional perspective minds have discovered their methods and means of enjoyment in the sun, which brings all students together. Noticeably even small businesses in our community have remained steadfast and hardworking during these testing times.
Chemistry doctoral candidate Randinu Pulukkody, who stayed in College Station to complete her research, said it’s a unique experience for an Aggie and it has both pros and cons.
“It’s a lot quieter and more relaxed,” Pulukkody said. “[I] do miss the sort of vibrant energy that comes with having students around, but on the other hand, that ‘con’ atmosphere provides a really nice change of pace. I think my routine has become a bit more streamlined — a few activities and events are happening on campus. I dedicate my uninterrupted time to my experiments.”
Pulukkody said she is taking advantage of the less crowded campus facilities, such as the library and the gym. Entomology first-year graduates Earl Agpawa and Maria Osako are traveling back and forth between College Station and Beaumont.
“I am doing research at AgriLife Rice Research Center at Beaumont and visit College Station on the weekends,” Agpawa said. “It is a lot easier to function a lot better when there aren’t a lot of people around. When I visit the campus, it’s almost like I’m more willing to study because there’s less chaos.”
Osako said depending on their lifestyle, people might enjoy some places more than others in the summer. The nightlife in Northgate isn’t as crowded and lively as usual, while places such as Century Square can be enjoyed without the usual hustle and bustle.
“Depending on the place and the date, I want to be with the crowd. But less crowded is good,” Osako said. “There are other cons, too. I find it difficult to move around without buses, especially on weekends.”
The summer bus schedules impact students without vehicles — especially those from outside the state or country — forcing them to find alternative transportation methods. This strain on their budgets has limited their usual hangouts.
“If I want to go out, I have to ask for a friend or Uber myself — I don’t usually go out like before,” Osako said. “I feel like the biggest challenge I face is the transportation.”
Blain Bruce works as a hairstylist at Galleria Spa Salon Boutique in Century Square, across the street from campus. She said her clientele has suffered immensely during these few weeks and has seen a shift in the demographics of her customers.
“I think retail stores struggle in the summer,” Bruce said. “College Station relies on students. It’s pretty dead. I don’t like the town in summer if I’m being honest — it’s like a ghost town to me.”
Bruce has noticed more families among her customers than during the school year, with chaotic fluctuations in business turnover. Pulukkody said she’s seen businesses adapt by offering special promotions and hosting events to attract locals and the remaining student population.
Agronomy first-year graduate Kasun Pathirage said she has learned copious amounts from her research over the past few weeks.
“I traveled to Lubbock last week to work on my research, but I was counting days to come to College Station,” Pathirage said. “Summer has made little to no difference in my daily routine. College Station feels like home. And I am looking forward to watching the drone show at Rellis on the Fourth of July.”
Genetics junior Jelisha Perera said she spends her days traveling around the area while taking summer classes. She said she finds her friendships are growing stronger since she meets her colleagues outside of a school setting.
“If you are an undergrad, spend at least one summer,” Perera said. “It’s definitely something you should try out — such a unique experience here at Aggieland in summer.”
Perera also mentioned she relishes the experience of shopping at Target and HEB like never before, savoring the tranquility which comes with fewer customers. Agpawa said the stress of summer classes has not stopped him from enjoying food from different restaurants.
“Highlights of the new places I’ve found over the summer is all-you-can-eat sushi at Sushi Masa,” Agpawa said. “I do recommend it and want to go back.”
Although spending summer in College Station has its challenges, students are still making lasting memories and working hard towards their goals.
“I stay positive — even on a hot day in summer around 2 p.m. and you have to work outside,” Pathirage said. “It can be summer, winter or spring: live in the moment and enjoy the moment. Just as nature endures seasonal changes, I feel like, so must we, embrace the impermanence of everything.”
