Walk through the hallways of Ernie Pyle before 9 a.m. these days, and you'll be hard-pressed to find any signs of student life.

Indeed, with the summer break in full swing, many students have scattered across the country, whether it be for internships or to simply get some much needed rest and relaxation.

But some dedicated young journalists choose to remain in Bloomington during the summer months, forsaking their vacations in favor of condensed courses and a laid-back atmosphere. Some do this to make up for lost time, while others try to speed up earning their degrees.

Senior Mitchell Williams, who spent last semester interning at CNN in New York, is trying to do just that. He has enrolled in three courses during Summer Session I in hopes of making an early entrance into the job market.

"I had a really good internship, and my boss told me I should finish school as soon as possible so she could hire me." he said.

Despite his rush for a diploma, Williams is enjoying his summer classes.

"It's a lot more relaxed, and the people who teach it are more relaxed, so I tend to absorb things a lot better."

Associate instructor Lanier Holt echoes Williams’ comments. Holt, who is teaching J200 Reporting, Writing and Editing I this summer, welcomes the change of pace.

"Students have less on their plates, so they can focus on the issue at hand," he said. "It's amazing how much information you can get out in such a short time in the summer, because I’ve taught this class in the fall."

Some students find that while the atmosphere is more casual, the classes are quite fast-paced due to the shortened schedule.

Senior Brian Hettmansperger, one of Holt’s J200 students, notices the crunch.

"Everything’s more condensed," he said. "It’s intense. It’s not really hard, but you’ve got to keep up with it."

Hettmansperger is balancing two additional classes while writing for the Indiana Daily Student this summer. Although the classes are demanding, he describes the newsroom as less hectic than usual.

"There are only two papers a week in the summer, so it's more laid back," he said. "There just aren’t many people here."

Glenda Ketcham, graduate admissions coordinator, certainly notices the smaller student population not only in Ernie Pyle, but in Bloomington, as well.

"Parking is so much easier. That's a big plus," she said. "And you can also get from campus to the east side of town over your lunch hour and back."

Graduate student Jenn Salts, who will complete her degree at the end of Summer Session I, also enjoys the less crowded atmosphere, though it comes with a price.

"Little things are frustrating, like the Multimedia Lab not being open late and the buses running so far apart, but other than that, it’s kind of peaceful around here."