Everyone loves the summertime.
School is out, the weather is beautiful, there is an infinite selection of ice cream flavors and a million things to do with friends. From movies, to concerts, to afternoons at the beach, it is almost guaranteed that it'll be a good time.
In high school, summer means break and vacation. It is a time to recover after a stressful year and recharge before it all begins again. As my first year in college concluded, I realized how much summer and the concept of vacation has changed.
First of all, our summer is a lot longer. We get off in mid-May and don't go back until the end of August, which is a pretty long time. This time could be spent having fun, relaxing and doing nothing, but the reality is, it is time for us to get busy. In a way, I think we are lucky to have these months of "freedom" because they can be spent enriching ourselves. What I mean is that it is crucial time that can be used to help further understand our field of study and get some real experience through internships, summer classes or job shadowing. It can also be used to take summer classes, to get ahead and be better prepared for the fall semester. It can also be used to work, not only getting experience but also getting to save up some money. Nevertheless, no matter what the plans are, I have yet to meet a college student who is spending their time away from school vacationing.
I think this has both its pros and cons. Pros, because we continue to grow and work hard to achieve our goals. It makes going back to school in the fall more exciting and it helps keep our minds active and refreshed. Cons, because we basically don't get a real break. Though, we don't have as much worry or stress, we are still incredibly busy with many things going through our heads.
It is smart to take advantage of the summer to grow as students and as individuals. It allows us to make the best of our time at school and not waste time when we go back in August. I am happy of having had the opportunity to do so, and am already starting to think of what I could possibly do next summer. It's been a great summer of learning, growth and fun and I can't wait to go back and share all that I've done with my peers and professors.
