Summer is usually a time to return home to homemade cooking, high school friends and nagging parents.

But for some Mercyhurst College students, summer is used for relaxation and vacation.

For others; finding a job, working and interning are students’ top priorities.

Whichever route students venture, summer is always everyone’s favorite 10 week term.

Erie native sophomore Erica Beidler will be living at home during the summer.

"I have an athletic training internship with the Erie Seawolves," Beidler said.

"And then, I’m going to see Dave Matthews Band in Pittsburgh."

Not all students have the option or desire to return home.

Junior Sara Norris is staying on campus for the summer and working on the paint crew.

Sophomore health and fitness promotion major, Richeal Forde, is also working on campus.

"My plans are to work at the library; hopefully do some clinical hours for my major, take in some sun rays since we don’t get any at home and then I’m going home to Ireland in August," Forde said.

Junior marketing major Cara Adamus will be fleeing Erie for an internship at Penn State University.

"I will be working in marketing and promotions for Magnum Broadcasting in State College, Pa.," Adamus said.

Junior bio-chemistry major Surafel Mulugeta will also be involved with an internship.

"This summer, I will be in Nashville, Tenn., interning at a pharmacology research institute," Mulugeta said.

Christine Fink, a junior interior design major, will be living in a townhouse in Erie and interning at Legion Wholesale Supply Co, a kitchen and bath design supplier.

Graduating senior Matt Wallenhorst will be looking for a job and working at his previous part-time job.

Taking a more relaxed approach to summer, junior Carrina Crow said, "I’ll just spend time with friends and family; most likely find a part-time job and spend about 4 weeks [vacation] in Maine."