After weeks of finishing final papers, projects and studying for hours on end for final exams, I often deal with after finals shock. I spent so much time working and studying, that when final exams and done and over with, I can’t believe that the semester is over. When professors said at the end of our last classes, “Have a good summer," I almost corrected them, because it’s May and in my mind, I still have weeks of school left. It doesn’t hit me until days after the semester that I suddenly have three months to do whatever I want. And while that is great, it is also daunting.
Perhaps, this is because in over the 10 years of being in public school, the school year ended in late June. I was accustomed to believe that “summer” began in June, not late spring like in college. My brain is either still in high school or just after years of having school end in June, I am wired to believe summer begins in June.
Having so much homework and studying to do, then having nothing is weird to me. I was in work mode, and now, I can just relax. After spending a few days sleeping in, I am confused about how to spend my summer. I know I have my job, and a part-time internship to do this summer, but I also have a lot of free time. I can finally read for fun again and catch up on all my tv shows that I missed due to homework and finals.
I don’t know about you, but I actually miss school in the summer. It takes up a lot of your time, but also gives you a set schedule. You have to go to class at this time and then afterwards, eat and do homework. Summer is a blank canvas, which can be seen as a positive, a negative, or a mixture of both. What is the best way to spend three months of summer vacation? Traveling? Taking classes? Working? It’s up to you.
I think having a nice balance is good to keep busy for the summer. Because if you just work throughout the summer, you won’t have any fun. You need to do what you need to do, like working to pay for college and personal expenses, but also have fun. If you’re like me and you don’t like to just relax for three months, then you need to find a mixture of activities and work to have a productive but fun summer.
Summer is a time to be adventurous and do what you normally don't have time to do. Always wanted to learn how to salsa dance? Take classes. Want to spend some time vacationing? If you have the funds and time to do so, then go ahead. Want to help others? Volunteer your time at a local organization. There are so many things to do in the summer, and after your "after finals shock" wears off, make a summer plan for yourself. You will be happy that you did.
