This article was guest written by Zen College Life contributor John of College HiLife2B. To learn more about the lessons of college life subscribe to College HiLife2B.
For most of us, summer has already arrived. Even though I’m still in school, I’m pretty excited for summer break myself. I’m going to have so much fun it’s not even funny (I’ll finally be able to get my driver’s license!).
This is seriously my most favorite part of the year, not just because of nice weather and no school, but because of the sheer amount of opportunity that rests in the palm of our hands.
You have three full months of freedom to explore your horizons. Just what are you going to do with all that time? It’s okay if you’re not totally sure. Here are some ideas I’ve thought up on how to use your summer:
1. Relax at home
Nothing beats going back home and relaxing with your old friends, good food, and awesome video games. They don’t call it summer break for nothing. So if you like, take this summer off to relax. Spend some quality time with your family. Get reacquainted with the stuff in your room. Take a nap. Go for a long walk around your neighborhood. Read a book that you haven’t read in a while. See? It’s that simple.
2. Get a job and/or volunteer
If you’re the type who can’t possibly see yourself resting or taking it easy during the summer, your next best bet is to get a job. Fast food joints and restaurants are a given in terms of availability of jobs for college students. If you live near the beach in your town and you’re a great swimmer, try becoming a life guard. You can earn some cash while enjoying the summer weather. Or if you’d rather make an significant impact on other people’s lives instead of just your own wallet, find volunteer work that you find enjoyable. Search online to find volunteer organizations that operate close to where you live.
Here are some summer job suggestions including the ones I’ve noted above:
- sell a product or service (get a license first)
- get a job as a store clerk
- become a lifeguard
- become a fast food employee
- become a waiter/waitress
- volunteer at homeless shelters
- apply for a summer position at your college
- become a tutor
- babysit
3. Go on a road trip
You’ve seen the movies and have probably thought, “Why can’t that be me on a road trip with my friends?” Well here’s your chance to live the dream. Gather up your friends in a car or two for an interstate road trip. Just imagine: riding with your friends with a little disposable income and having the time of your life! However, road trips shouldn’t be all about fun. It should also be about finding your way around places that you’ve never been before will people you trust. The memories you make on the road will hopefully bring you and your friends closer together. Just make it back home before school starts!
Bonus: Get ahead in your studying
To most of us, studying seems like an unlikely activity to take part in during your vacation, but it’s actually a pretty good use of your time. By studying during the break, you’ll be way ahead of your classmates who took their time relaxing and working when you return to college. In addition, you get to learn on your own terms instead of according to the time constraining college schedule.
Now this is is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you can do over the summer vacation. If college has taught me anything, it’s don’t be idle. There is nothing wrong with relaxing for as much as you want, but if you find yourself bored with it, don’t keep doing it. Always be active and work towards something you enjoy. If last summer was awesome, make this summer blow it out of the water. If you didn’t get the chance to help someone last summer, make that top priority this summer.
We regret most the actions we have not yet taken. So take action now and use your summer. Don’t waste it.
This article was guest written by Zen College Life contributor John of College HiLife2B. To learn more about the lessons of college life subscribe to College HiLife2B.
