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I spent this afternoon trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself this summer. One of my friends is going to Russia in a study abroad program of some sort, another one is looking for volunteer opportunities in random large cities across America. I am looking for a research internship somewhere. This is complicated by the fact that I'd prefer it if that "somewhere" were Rochester, where I'm from. It may be a bit lame, but I like going home for the summer. Not only is it simpler than trying to find somewhere to else to stay, but I also like the food. This is pretty important.

Career Services has been very helpful so far. I've gotten tips on how to search for internships, as well as ideas for other places that I haven't looked yet. They also are very good at connecting you to alumni if you need a foot in the door or housing. (The housing thing obviously doesn't apply to me, but it is helpful for my volunteer-minded friend.)

Here's what I'm looking at:

• University of Rochester summer research--I'd be doing something in a lab with a professor, a lot like what I do at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï during the year, but in a different setting.
• Kodak, Xerox, or Bausch and Lomb--Officially, I'd be an intern. Hopefully, I'd be working in a research lab, pushing buttons on a machine, or something.
• The Monroe County Crime Lab--This is basically the same as the bullet point above, but I figured I'd list it on its own, since it sounds really cool.
• The Science Museum--I could go back there and do the shows that I learned how to do over January. Or do new shows on the fly, whatever.

So I've sent out inquiry letters and applied places and we'll see what happens. For the record, here's what I did last summer to make money:

• Jury duty
• Cat sitting
• Pit orchestra (on cello, not violin)

While fun, those weren't the best ways to make money. Hopefully this summer will be better.