Think back to the scene when you told your parents you want to major in leisure studies. Apparently it was oftentimes a struggle to convince parents that majoring in leisure studies doesn't mean their child wants to pull the ultimate four-year coup, whiling away expensive class hours by playing games, camping out and just taking it easy. It conjures up stereotypical images from Plato's era lounge chairs, grapes and togas. Courses in human and natural resource management, landscaping, teamwork, program and facility management, for example, are diverse and highly challenging.
Universities also grapple with communicating the value of leisure studies.
With a little logic and thought beyond the stereotypes, it's easy to understand that the field of leisure benefits all of us. This Siberian tiger feels right at home in Chicago's chilly winter climate. Photographed here by Jim Schulz for the Chicago Zoological Society, the majestic animal is one of three Siberian tigers at the Brookfield Zoo, which is owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve District and ranked among the top five zoos in the country.