Summer vacation is here and as a poet once said, "There's 104 days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to end it. So the annual problem of our generation is finding a good way to spend it." I will refrain from giving you their suggestions for spending the summer as they are far-fetched, and instead, I will offer 12 of mine.

1. Read

Reading is the simplest way to pass the time over the summer especially if you have a library card for the local library. A library card means free access to a number of books as long as you check them in on time. One summer, I think I read about three young adult series. I also had time to read Bram Stoker's "Dracula," which is something that I had always wanted to read. If you haven't outgrown young adult, I would highly recommend "Scars" by Cheryl Rainfield. My 16 year old self loved that book.

2. Netflix and Chill

Honestly, you don't need another person to Netflix and chill. Maybe just a cat or a dog and some food will suffice. There are so many great series on Netflix. Last summer was when I was first introduced to "Bob's Burgers." I love it! Also, if you're an "Orange is the New Black" fan, the new season comes out June 17! Some other great shows to watch are "Master of None," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and "Bloodlines." Some oldies but goodies are "Supernatural" (before season 8), "Parks and Recreation" and "Charmed." I'm sure you'll find a number of other great series for the low price of $8.99 a month. If you're like me, and $8.99 is a little steep, especially when you're broke, find a friend and Netflix and chill with them.

3. Arts

I love to art. It's so cool that I can make things with my hands, and it look nice. However, the hardest part about arting is actually pushing myself to start. If you are a naturally artistic person, a great way to pass the time is to create beautiful works of art. If you're extremely talented, you could even sell some of your work and make some cash.

4. And Crafts

I'm a crafter. I love crafting things. My Pinterest board is full of things that I want to make or have already tried to make. Although some ended up in total failure, some became crafterpieces that I am proud of. Try crafting something fun this summer.

5. Writing

Writing could help you pass your time during the summer and also create some valuable content for that book you may have always wanted to write. Writing every day creates a good practice of writing, and it also helps you get better at it. Here are 365 short writing prompts that you could use to write whatever you're inspired to write. Practicing your writing won't make it perfect, but it'll make it better than it was yesterday. So practice practice practice.

6. Learn Something New

It's never too late to learn something new, and summer provides you with all the time to learn. Maybe you've always wanted to learn piano or how to paint. YouTube is a great resource. Maybe you're like me and want to learn how to knit, but the only person you know who can (your boyfriend) won't teach you. However, you shouldn't be like me and rely on unreliable people to teach you. Go out and learn for yourself. You can do anything you want.

7. Oh, Oh, Switch It Up, Switch It Up

If you're like me and listen to way too much Little Mix on repeat, you might notice that I'm talking about their hit single, "Hair." Summer is the best time to switch up your hairstyle. The summer after freshman year, I saw Alicia James with her signature two strand twists and I knew that I wanted to try it. So I did, and I looked amazing. Last summer, I knew that I wanted to a fro like Solange but thought that I wouldn't look as fierce, but I did. This summer, may be the summer of the perm rods cause I look really cute in those. If you're interested in experimenting with your hair whether it's with style or color, head on over to YouTube. There's so much in store for you.

8. Road Trip!

Do you have a full tank of gas, some extra cash and no plans for the summer? Take a road trip. Where do you want to go? Mexico? Europe? The Grand Canyon? Yellowstone? The Smoky Mountains? Atlanta? Memphis? The beach? The movies? The zoo? It doesn't really matter where you want to go, but leaving the house could prove to be an exciting part of your summer even if the only place that you go to is Sonic for the after 8 shakes.

9. Volunteer

Do you want to feel nice over your summer break? Consider volunteering. VAs and nursing homes love volunteers so call them up and visit over the summer. If you have a Red Cross near you, they love volunteers. Is there an animal shelter near your house? Call them. The puppies could be waiting for your love. Also, if you plan on furthering your education, the volunteer hours you rack up over the summer would look pretty nice on your application.

10. Work, Work, Work, Work, Work, Work...

If none of the above things excite you or if you're like me and you're scraping pennies, you have to do the inevitable and work. If you live in a close-knit community, go to one of your neighbors who has kids and ask to babysit. If you have a friend that's a nanny, ask him or her to hook you up, or if you're lucky enough to live in a place that has a nanny agency, apply there. The summer is one of the best times to babysit because chances are the kiddos will get out after you do and go back before you do, so you can have a little break for yourself.

Other options are mowing lawns, waitressing, working at a movie theater, I'm pretty sure if you live in a big city, you're options are plentiful, but if you live in a small town like me, it may be a little hard.

11. ...ONLINE

If you're having trouble finding a temporary job in your hometown, look online for a job. Do you like transcription? Well I doubt anyone who has ever had to transcribe a focus group likes transcription, but there are jobs that pay online. Try TranscribeMe. If you're really good at tutoring or if you're fluent in more than one languages, Tutors.com would love to have you. If you don't mind talking on the phone or can fake (or naturally have) an enthusiastic voice, try working for an online call center. Here's a list of companies that are looking for workers.

12. Nothing

Finally, if all you do want to do over the summer is nothing, do it. You don't have to anything. Sit back, relax. School's hard. You deserve a vacation.