Before you know it, summer will be at your fingertips and your 2 months of fun, food and friends will begin. The thing is... summer can go one of the two ways. You can either take summer as (1) a time to chill out, relax and do your thing or (2) an opportunity to get ahead or be somewhat productive.

Obviously going the first route and being as unproductive as possible sounds like the easiest of plans. But if you are anything like me, two would be the option your mind forces you to take. Coming from a person who aspires to be productive at all times, I'd say that summer is our time to grow and experience new things that will lead us to the path we want to take in life. Whether that is to become a firefighter, business professional or even a teacher, there are many steps that can be taken to improve your knowledge in that area even though it's summertime.

Internships, as you may know, are probably the second hardest thing to find before a job. Due to the high demand for scholarly students all wanting the SAME internship position at the SAME companies, it tends to be a time of difficulty. The fight for an internship pretty much starts at the beginning of January and doesn't end till you finally get a position you desired. This hunt for internships is one that takes a great deal of time out of your hands. In fact, it is almost like taking on a job, but a job for yourself. Not only does finding an internship take time but let me tell you, stress is one factor that comes right along with it.

Now, if you decide to take path number one... good for you! Honestly, I wish my mind was all about just having fun! But now as a college student, it is my time to make connections and figure out what I want after graduating. As we were once told, life is about the people you meet along the way and these people are the ones who will hopefully guide you to success.

Obtaining an internship is one way of being productive, but whatever you set your mind to, that can be your way of being productive. If you want your summer to be all about getting your gym on, go you. If you want your summer to be a time to volunteer, go you. If you want your summer to be your time to shine, go you. Whether you take route number one or two, this summer will be one of the best summers of your life because you did what you wanted to do.

You've guided yourself onto the path you wanted to take. Now as you take this path, have fun and enjoy your time because before you know it, school will be closer than you think.