Spending my summer in Chicago was a decision I made early on during my first year at Shimer. I fell in love with city life but felt like I didn’t have enough time to actually explore Chicago thoroughly. Spending my summer here just seemed like a natural step. Also, why would I go home to my small town when I could spend my days in a metropolis? A group of like-minded Shimerians and I got together, found an apartment, got jobs, and were all set for summer life in the city.
Hanging around Shimer in the summer is quite a different experience from being at Shimer during the school year. Considerably fewer students can be found loitering on the Shimer floor, IIT’s campus is relatively empty, and in general things have slowed down greatly. But, just because school’s out doesn’t mean that Shimer stops being Shimer. Facilitators are still holed away in their offices or in the hallways sharing jokes, summer classes are in full swing, admissions is busier than ever with the new school year approaching, and Shimer events continue to fill my calendar.
The next community event is Shimer’s Summer Outdoor Film Night. On Tuesday the 23rd, Shimer will be hosting an evening full of shorts, music videos, and a feature presentation -- The Matrix (the original in high definition). There will be refreshments and an abundance of popcorn out on the Shimer Green (located right in front of the admissions entrance at 3424 S. State St.). The festivities begin at 8pm and all are welcome. Chicago is known for having temperamental weather so, in case of inclement forecasts, alternate dates are set for the 24th and 25th. Lets hope for sunny skies!
Shimer’s atmosphere may have calmed a bit with a large amount of the student body away but Chicago has only gotten livelier with the advent of summer. There are numerous street festivals full of vendors, live music, sidewalk sales, and activities galore. To start, there’s Chicago’s Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park. This weekend the Taste of Randolph Street event begins with live performances by Dr. Dog, The Hold Steady, and more. In early July the Magnificent Mile Art Festival comes to town. Block upon block of paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted jewelry are showcased. And of course, I can’t forget about Chicago’s great music festivals: Pitchfork and Lollapalooza. Chicago certainly hasn’t slowed down one bit.
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