Welp, it's about that time first-years, eh -- excuse me -- [rising] sophomores, you are nearly finished with your first full-fledged year as a collegian! Wholly s'mores, OMG, this is front page news! Despite my added sarcasm, this is obviously a significant transition in our college careers. You gave the year all you had. Now, let's discuss what the summer should have in store in order to expect an even more epic sophomore year.
1. Internships
Internships, internships, internships. Now, as an average collegiate first-year with little to know experience or connections in the classroom or outside of it, it may be tricky to score an internship this summer. However, it doesn't hurt to try, right? Send in a seasoned resume everywhere and anywhere that fits your passions and expectations. Hmm, your resume isn't impressive you say? Well, now's a great place to start. Besides, money that you accrue over the summer can be used toward: a new car, participating in Greek life, your school's cost of attendance, books for the fall, for a rainy day, or even just to spend as you'd like! Also, again, keep in mind that even if the internship is not a paid one, it will still pay you in experience.
Build up that resume and make some connections, you never know what might become of doing so.
2. The Summer Reading List
Eh, I know that you're thinking either one of two things. A) who reads anymore? or B) haven't I already done enough reading during the academic year? Well, the answer to both is: read, read and read some more. Who reads anymore? You do, ya nerd, you're a college student! It's never a bad idea to exercise the brain or to build your vocabulary and literary repertoire! And for the super nerds (like myself), maybe get a head start on the reading for some of your classes in the fall and familiarize yourself with the material.
Reading in general makes for excellent conversation and networking in college and in the work world. Who knows where a simple convo about Virginia Wolf or Ray Bradbury might land you.
3. Self-Care
Now yes, I know you're going to say, didn't this guy just tell me to work and read over the summer? This is true, but remember above all else, to please take care of yourself. Whether this translates to going to the gym this summer, fashioning a healthy sleep schedule, eating healthier, finding time to meditate, going to the mall, getting more massages or taking a million selfies every day of the summer -- just do something that makes you happy and that rests your mind and body. During the school year we don't always make the best decisions for our bodies and while we might be content with pulling all-nighters, working ourselves to the bone, and eating/drinking/doing whatever we want because our parents aren't around, it is imperative to remember that we mustn't form poor habits in having done so. Remember, your education is important, but you are most important.
Treat yo self this summer and relax and rejuvenate your tattered spirit from this year's collegiate hunger games.
4. Fun
Need I say more? Yes, be a responsible young adult, but hey, it's summer time! Go out and take advantage of your freedom and go on adventures, experience new things, fall in [and out of] love, party hardy, or do whatever fun means to you. You only have a few months before you're once again at the mercy of your professors and are employed by your hopes and dreams.
Take this time to focus on what's most important, but remember to have fun.
5. Goal Planning For Sophomore Year
I was between choosing this gif and one that illustrated Simon Cowell saying "I knew this was coming." As obvious as this step may seem, it is all too easily forgotten or simple to put off. This next year will come with many more challenges and with much more opportunities. The only way to meet them all is to prepare yourself ahead of time to do so. What clubs are you interested in starting or joining? Are you set on a major -- why or why not (finding an internship in a field that your curious about could help)? What worked for you last semester and what didn't -- were you satisfied with your academic/social/personal experience? What do you want your sophomore year of college to look like?
We still have a few weeks left, but give it some thought. In the meantime, congrats fellow first-years! We're on to bigger and better things. Regardless of how you felt you performed this semester (in all facets of college life), take pride that you've just finished your first year of college and go mock your parents about how old they are now that you've done so.
