The summer is upon us. We have waited patiently through lectures and papers and all-nighters for our hero Summer to relieve us from our duties and bestow upon us the sweet rest we have been substituting with RedBull and black coffee.

But, as I sit on my couch and lack any and all responsibility beyond maybe showering today I wonder. Is this really better? I feel like I am less stressed, but perhaps less satisfied. I think I know why.

When we deprive ourselves of responsibility, of goals, and of challenges we subsequently deprive ourselves of the rewarding feeling that comes with completing such tasks. Was taking 18 hours a nightmare? Absolutely! But the feeling of pulling over a 3.5 after all that work was truly rewarding. I believe the reason people get burnt out on summer is because they stop challenging themselves. No risk, no reward.

So how do you challenge yourself during this Summertime sadness?

A. Get a paying job

This may seem obvious, but getting a job can be one of the most rewarding things in the world. On top of getting the satisfaction of not being a bum and you get paid for it! How sweet of a deal is that?

My personal advice for nailing down a summer job is threefold

1. Start Early

The good jobs could be gone quick so as soon as you're home from college make sure you beat those high schoolers to the unemployment line.

2. Do it in Person

It always helps to apply in person. Helps put a name to a face. Even if it's an online application, bring in a physical copy of your resume and give it to the manager. I guarantee you have a higher chance than the faceless submission forms.

3. Be Professional

Simple stuff. Dress well, be polite, and don't call your boss dude. They are paying you, no matter how little, and they expect a modicum of proffessionalism.

B. Start a Reading Challenge

Th is is one of my favorites. There are plenty of resources on the internet that provide lists of books fit to a theme that you can challenge yourself to read. Here's an example: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/blog/2015/04/25/...

Who knows, you might find your new favorite book.

C. Movie Challenge

Just like the reading challenge but with movies instead of books. Watch a movie from the IMDB top 250 every day for the whole summer. Try to watch all the Best Picture winners. Watch all of the current year's Oscar noms. Just sit down and watch some quality cinema. It's worth it.

D. Volunteer

This one is easy. Everyone likes free labor. I guarantee you will find a place that both interests you and will take your free work. When you really like where you're volunteering, congratulations! That's called interning. Put it on your resume.

Take these tips or make up your own. Just get out there and be productive this summer. It's the only time when school isn't in the way. Make your own sylabis, have class outside, and have fun.