Summer vacation can be an important time for making and completing goals. These goals can take many forms including personal, career, etc. I, along with probably many other students, have already been on summer vacation in my head for a couple weeks now. Even though summer vacation can seem either an eternity away or already happening for some of us, here is a list of ideas for summer goals and ways to make this summer a great one:

1. Work

Most people probably don't think of work as a desirable thing to do during their summer vacation. However, under the right conditions working can be productive, confidence-building, and even fun.

2. Join a volunteer organization.

Helping out in the community can be a great way to spend a summer. It is a great outlet for creativity, a place to meet new people, and an inspiring source of charity and hard work.

3. Read.

While reading certainly isn't for everybody, even deciding just to read a short book in your free time can be a good way to spend some summer free time. If your friends or significant other have been telling you to read "this one book" summer may be the perfect time to try to impress them.

4. Write.

Start a journal, write an essay, compose poetry while you sit on a cliff gazing out at the sunset. Any of these ideas or others are a great way to get out that stress of the last school year and put your thoughts on paper.

5. Exercise

Usually people freak out about exercise in preparation for summer, but summer is just as good a time to set a goal for personal fitness. Surprise your friends with your not-as-flabby arms when you return to school in the fall.

6. Make new friends.

Summer brings people together. Make an effort to make some new friends to enjoy the sunshine with or drive around town like a cool kid (like this pig and skunk).

7. Explore the outdoors.

Nature is an amazing thing that can always be explored and enjoyed. If you are like me and haven't had enough time to be out in nature during the school year, summer is the perfect time for you to get out and adventure.

8. Develop a new hobby.

Eating is a good hobby, but besides that hobbies can include anything from music to art. Hobbies are great for keeping busy and getting through that lazy, couch-potato summer.

9. Go on a road trip.

Road trips are a great way to spend some of a summer. Even if you have an old car like me, take the car and some friends long or far and enjoy the sights and new scenes.

10. Be creative.

I am awful at art. I joke that my art skills haven't developed past those of a 3rd grader, but it is true. Even if art isn't your thing like me, find a good way to let out some self-expression and create something beautiful. Share it with others who can appreciate it.

That's it!

Have a good summer, folks!