As the semester winds down, May Term is lurking in the back of your mind. It’s exciting, fun and different. May Term is a three-week course with a wide variety of classes to choose from. You can take classes that fulfill cornerstones or take a unique class only offered during May Term. My freshman year I took a film class and enjoyed every minute of it, regardless of what my grade was.

According to the May Term packet, the general purposes of May Term is:

1. Greater variety of educational experiences than are traditionally available, and for innovative approaches to learning.

2. Intensive academic experiences for all students within a single area of study, concentrating upon one academic subject.

3. Greater depth and/or specialization within the area of the major.

4. Educational opportunities that is responsive to student interest.

5. The faculty to pursue scholarly interests within and outside the areas of their disciplines, both in classroom contacts and private research.

6. Travel, both international and domestic, and May Term courses at other institutions.

7. Interdisciplinary study.

But that’s not all. May Term is a great time to spend with friends in many different ways. I will add on a few I think they forgot.

8. Camping. There are great places in Indianola to get to for the weekend and be closer to nature and away from civilization. If you prefer to stay on campus but still want to camp, find a practice field. Camping is a great time to be by yourself or with your close entourage.

9. Intramurals. Intramurals provide great opportunity to get exercise with different sports throughout May Term. Who knows, you might even win a shirt or two.

10. Traveling. I know it’s already mentioned in six, but this is a great opportunity to travel abroad. Take a Simpson sponsored trip by yourself or talk to your gang and go together. Simpson takes you great places you wouldn’t go on your own. This is a great opportunity and it might be your only chance to travel abroad. Plus it fulfills a ornerstone.

If you just don’t have the means to get out of the country, make it a weekend outing. Take a trip to other metropolitan areas and check out the sights and sounds there. Kansas City, Omaha, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Chicago are all great places to drive to within a day. Enjoy a concert, baseball game or just the city itself. You have to drive, though, because the road trip is half the fun (or stress).

11. Frisbee. If you don’t know how to throw a Frisbee, drop this newspaper and learn. Frisbee is a great chance to be outside, and there are other forms of Frisbee other than chucking it around. You could play ultimate Frisbee or Frisbee golf.

12. Lawn Games. Bocce ball and other lawn games are a great time, and you can enjoy the great weather we will hopefully have.

13. Try something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t matter what it is, just try it. New experiences are what May Term is all about.

You could drink your May Term away, but there are so many other things to do that you might not have time. Whatever choice you make, I hope it works well for you.