When summer comes, especially for a college student, you feel as though there's nothing to do, but at the same time, you feel expected to do everything. Whatever everything may be. You're told that you should be having internships and holding down a job, but also seeing your friends and family. It's tough to juggle everything that everyone else expects of you, leaving little time to do something you want to do. Instead of focusing on all the things other people think you should do, focus on making the most of your summer with what you feel would make you happy.
If you're a book worm like me, then I'm sure there are plenty of books that piled up over the last school year that made you all but quit your studies just thinking of how much pleasure reading them will be instead of your textbooks. This summer, in between working at either your internship or you job, take some time to pick up a book, or three, and have some book time. Slip into whatever alternate world of your choice. Spend your summer fighting dragons alongside your favorite heroes and heroines.
You could also spend the summer writing, if reading isn't your thing. Maybe start a journal cataloging your adventures for the summer. Write about your weekend escapades or your daily toil with jobs, friends, and family. Maybe write a short story or start a blog. Whether you prefer handwriting or typing, take a creative or journalistic leap this summer and expand your mind. Whether that is by coming up with an idea for a story you've never thought of, or finding out more about yourself through your own thoughts about life.
If the creative route or reading isn't your thing, then take a weekend trip (or a whole week) and head to the great outdoors for some camping or hiking. Being in nature is a way for you to clear your mind, find yourself, or just have a good times with friends. Bring a guitar for some tunes, don't forget the campfire, and spend the nights staring up at the stars dreaming of your soon to be lives after college. Even if you have three more years, it's never too early to build those dreams and turn them into realities. And of course, camping isn't camping without roasting marshmallows to make s'mores.
On top of doing those things for the summer, make sure you take the time (if you can) to go see the movie you want to see. You don't need a date or a friend to tag along either. Sure it's more fun with others around, but if there's a movie you want to see and other people are too busy to make the time, then you need to make time for you. See that movie you're dying to watch. Have some popcorn and soda. Take yourself out on a date. You'll have time to think about your life and do some reflection, or maybe you'll be too engrossed in the movie for that to happen. Either way, you shouldn't hold off on fun just because your friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, or anyone can't be there with you.
If you're still looking to add some fun to your summer that is less work/internship related and more fun and traditionally summer related, then enjoy some beach or pool time. Be near the water, soak up some sun, and have some fun. You worked hard for two semesters, its time that you take your three months to relax a little bit. But don't forget the sunscreen or tanning oil, some sunglasses, or a hat to shield your head! You do not want to turn into a bright red lobster, have a raging headache, or be squinting your eyes all day. Take some time to dig your toes in the sand, maybe even relive your childhood by making sandcastles. Let the stress of the school year (or your week at work) drip off you with the water and return home calmer and less worked up.
There are many things out there that you can do after a long day at work or your internship, on the weekends, or during holiday weekends. Make your summer something that you want it to be, don't rely on what others want you to do or for them to tell you what to do. It's your summer. Do what you need to do to not feel cooped up in your house, or bored in your house. Choose to have a summer you'll remember, rather than something you'd rather forget.
