Got the school’s over blues?
It seems like we all have had to write at one time or another on the topic: “What I did over my summer vacation?” If you were asked to write an essay on that topic this coming Fall, what would yours say? Now is the time to plan your summer activities to get a head start on your future.
Here are some ideas to make your summer the most productive ever.
This archived article was written by: Dr. Alex Herzog
It seems like we all have had to write at one time or another on the topic: “What I did over my summer vacation?” If you were asked to write an essay on that topic this coming Fall, what would yours say? Now is the time to plan your summer activities to get a head start on your future.
Here are some ideas to make your summer the most productive ever.
Did you struggle in one of your classes this year and didn’t get the grade you expected. Colleges around the country offer classes during the summer. They are usually 5-6 weeks long, held either 4 or 5 days a week and fairly intense. But the good thing is that you will only have that one topic to study on and you should get a better grade because all your energy will be focused. Community colleges have the best rates when it comes to tuition and paying tuition means you can have access to other amenities on campus such as the library, gym, computer labs and summer activities. Visit your local community college and see what they are offering.
Work, work, work! Get a job or better yet two jobs. Work as much as you can and save for the upcoming class year. I have seen too many students show up the day of classes with no money. I recommend you come to campus with enough money to buy your books so you won’t get behind and some spending money for the first couple of weeks. Start a new business and put what you learned to the test. Work any job, it’s not always what you earn, it’s what you learn. An internship in many cases does not always pay very well but you can get valuable work experience in a field that you want to work. This will give you a definite advantage when you start job searching after graduation.
If the job market in your hometown is too competitive or just not enough jobs are offered, consider joining the National Guard / Army Reserves and get your basic training and advanced individual training completed over the summer. Not only will you bank some money that you won’t have time to spend but you’ll get in great shape, meet new people and gain some valuable experiences and skills that employers love!
But hold up, all work and no play does not a great summer vacation make! Summer does mean better weather and you should try to make time for the great outdoors. Visit a national park and do some hiking. But first get educated on where to go and what to bring by researching it on-line. There are a lot of great resources on the web to research the “how to” before you make your way outdoors.
If you want an advantage for next year, find out what the books will be for your classes coming up and start reading them. Take some time to read for fun. Just reading will help you keep or increase your reading skills during the summer months. For those of you that struggle with picking up a book, find some friends and start a book club. When you read and discuss a book together, you are more likely to finish and better understand it.
Your summer adventure is about to start. Whether it’s great or a bust is up to you! What will you likely talk about this Fall when you reflect back on how you spent your summer? Take advantage of the time and make it work for you. Investing in yourself and managing your summer vacation wisely now will mean more opportunities for you later on. Hope to see you on campus!
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