Summer means something completely different for just about every high school student. Some students view summer as the time to finally relax from the pressures of the school year. Some go to summer camp at some random lake in the middle of nowhere, and some travel to other states or countries. Meanwhile, other students treat summer as the time to catch up to the math levels of students two grades above them, by taking summer courses. Yet another group of students believes it is the opportune moment to make some serious cash. Whatever you do decide to do during the hot sweltering days of summer, do not make the mistake of doing absolutely nothing.
How do you know if you’re accomplishing nothing? If you really have no idea, ask yourself, whenever the chance arises, “Is whatever I’m doing at this moment actually beneficial to myself or others? Is there something I would rather be doing? Am I having fun, while taking good care of my physical health?” If you answer “No” to all of the above, you need to rethink your strategies, especially if you aim to look productive on your college applications. Yes, the dreaded college applications do not rest during the summer; thus, neither should you. Well, maybe you can rest, but here are some activites you can do when you are feeling particularly ambitious and accomplished:
The Moneymaker: The most common of summer activities is the summer job. You can tutor younger students at specific tutoring institutions, or you can advertise yourself in your neighborhood. Tutoring offers a steadier schedule than does babysitting. You can also apply for jobs at fast food restaurants or small stores, depending on your age. A third option is creating your business. There’s nothing more impressive in a high school student than an entrepreneurial mind, eager to build up the resumé.
Too Cool For School: If you couldn’t get enough of classes during the school year, taking classes at colleges or universities can take care of that knowledge fix. Make sure to apply for these classes ahead of time, as information is always available online. You could also opt for summer academic programs, such as those offered by CTY (Center for Talented Youth). These also require applications, including essays and academic profiles, so apply early. Classes and academic programs often have incentives, like offering credit. For example, I went to a CTY program that awarded me several hours of community service credit. Had my high school required community service hours, I could have used the ones from CTY to fulfill the requirement.
Ordinary People: Many students often choose projects to serve the community during the summer because that is when they find the large chunks of time. Whether the project is through a religious, political, or non-profit organization, there are always opportunities to improve the society around you. You don’t have to be in school selling brownies to run a fundraiser. You might also want to keep in mind that even your own town, not just Sudan, has people in need.
Get On Top: If you have long-term goals in mind regarding future occupations, you can always try to find internships pertaining to your goals. Not only would you make valuable connections, but you would gain the experience and the know-how essential for your future.
Where Do You Think You’re Going: Summer is also a prime time to explore the world, so travel while you don’t have to pay for the vacation yourself. It will be a great moment to expand your cultural understanding. Traveling may include college visits.
People, like admissions officers, often want to see how well students used their down time. They are not looking for those who study or save the world 24/7, although that would be pretty cool. Rather, they seek students who have perhaps done something about which they are enthusiastic or something impressive or helpful to the community. Lastly, keep in mind that learning how to manage your summers will be crucial in impressing people even after college.
