Ivy Chen ‘27
EE Staff Writer
As the school year comes to an end, students are preparing for a well-deserved summer vacation. While summer is usually associated with sleeping in and relaxation, many students are using the time to travel, prepare for college, work jobs, focus on hobbies, and explore new opportunities before the next school year begins.
For many students, summer provides the chance and time to travel and reconnect with family. Some are planning vacations to different states or even other countries, while others are visiting relatives they have not seen in a while. Traveling gives students the opportunity to experience different cultures, try new foods, and take a break from the stress of school. Whether it is a beach trip, a city vacation, or simply spending time with family and friends, traveling remains one of the most anticipated parts of summer.
At the same time, many juniors are thinking ahead and beginning their preparations for their college applications. It is often suggested to begin ahead of time as college application season begins almost immediately once the school year starts again. Therefore, rising seniors are using the summer to build resumes, visit colleges, study for standardized tests like SAT or ACT, and begin drafting or editing their college essays. Some students are participating in internships, volunteer programs, or summer courses to strengthen their applications and gain experience in areas they are interested in. Others are researching majors and careers to better understand what they want to pursue after graduation.
Moreover, summer jobs are also becoming more popular among students. Many teenagers work at restaurants, camps, stores, or local businesses during the break. Although it may be difficult for some students to balance work along with their free time, having a summer job not only helps students earn money, but it is also an opportunity for students to learn responsibility, communication, and time management skills.
However, not all students’ summer plans need to include productivity. After months of assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities, many students simply want time to relax. For instance, they could spend their time with friends, watching movies, listening to music, playing sports, learning a new skill or enjoying hobbies. This long-awaited break and relaxation can provide the time for students to recharge before returning to school in the fall.
Although every student’s summer looks different, summer break is certain to provide students with an opportunity for growth, exploration, and rest. Hence, whether students are traveling, preparing for college, working, or relaxing at home or abroad, the experiences they gain over the course of summer break can help shape memories and goals for the next school year.
Feature Photo Courtesy: College Admissions Strategies