“What time is it? Summer time!” These lyrics from "High School Musical 2" crossed my mind as I was walking out of my high school and into summer vacation. Unfortunately, much like the characters of "High School Musical," I soon realized that summer isn’t all we dream it to be. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t fun, but people often over exaggerate the enjoying part and forget about being productive. The stereotype of summer break is that it’s supposed to be a relaxing time filled with friends, beaches and traveling. However, like many aspects of our lives, the expectation often differs from the reality, and that’s okay, as long as it’s balanced. Students use summer vacation to get jobs and beef up their resumes, but it’s also a time for fun.

Summer jobs have become a common occurrence for most high school kids. Unlike what many people believe, students aren’t just being couch potatoes. Many are hard workers and saving up for college or luxuries they wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. It’s not exactly the super fun summer most kids hope for, but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Jobs provide kids with experience and an important sense of responsibility. If you find a job that you like, it can even be fun. Plus, no one’s complaining about having a little extra spending money.

Although it’s still pretty early in the summer, it’s not a bad idea to use some of that extra time you have to prepare yourself for the next school year. Whether it’s just becoming more organized or it’s reading some material, every little bit can help make the rest of your year become a little less stressful. Plus, with so many teachers now giving summer homework, not everyone has a choice.

Competition for colleges and jobs is getting tougher each year. Therefore, kids spend their summers adding to their resumes to get ahead. There are a lot of opportunities in the summer and more time to utilize them. Internships are a good way to gain experience and explore a career path. Volunteer hours are highly valued and are a good way to give back to the community. It doesn’t hurt to spend a few hours studying for the ACT or SAT either. I myself spent all of last summer volunteering, and I loved it. It helped that I was doing something I was passionate about. However, it’s important to remember that summer isn’t all about applications and resumes.

It doesn’t hurt to have a little fun either. Maybe after a week of work you go camping for the weekend or hang out with friends after your internship. Try something new, and explore the world. Summer camps and traveling are fun ways to experience more of the world. Maybe start a new hobby or just take time enjoy your current ones (I might even finish crocheting that scarf I started last summer). Take time for your family, something that I neglected to do during the school year. Make new friends and reach out to your old ones. There’s time for everything, so don’t spend summer being bored or stressed.

Summer vacation is all about balance. Granted, it’s not as exciting as some movies make it seem, but by finding the right time for work and the right time for play, you can make the most of it. We are done with school for three months, so relax a little. However, don’t waste it. There’s plenty to do, and there’s plenty to look forward to, and in the end, we can “Work This Out.”