With only a few months until the school year is over, students are bubbling with excitement and the possibility of summer. Summer plans reflect social trends, as well as personal interests and goals. Summer is more than two months long, which offers much time for personal growth. Some things to keep in mind are how to balance travel with jobs and fun. A well-balanced summer that includes a mix of travel, work, and fun can leave you feeling both productive and satisfied.
When we think of summer break, travel often comes to mind first. From road trips to beach vacations to camping, many families choose the summer to spend some time away from home, exploring new places with loved ones. Traveling can create amazing memories and very rich learning experiences. I have been incredibly lucky to be able to travel out of the country multiple times and experience the different cultures that the world has to offer. After each trip, I felt that my experiences made me into a more thoughtful and open-minded person. In my opinion, one of the most important practices to keep in mind when traveling is to go into everything with an open mind, and especially not to place judgment on another culture. I plan to keep that in mind when I travel to Bhutan this spring with my school. I am so excited to explore the vastly different culture I will encounter there. Travel can be fun as well as educational, and is an important aspect of cultivating a well-balanced summer vacation.
In creating a well-rounded summer experience for students, jobs and volunteering are such wonderful experiences to have. Jobs and internships help prepare students for the real world, with the added benefit of earning money. For example, last summer I babysat, pet sat, and volunteered for several organizations, earning enough to help pay for my upcoming Bhutan trip. Connecting your work and volunteering to your passions can make the experience even more rewarding. I am very passionate about frisbee, and I was able to work at one of the Colorado Summit games, scanning tickets, and helping out with preparations. Summer is the best time to gain valuable work experience, without the busyness of the school year, and it yields financial benefits while also teaching responsibility and time management.
Of course, with summer comes relaxation and time for hobbies. Summer is a great opportunity to focus on sports and build skills before the fall season. Last summer, I joined two frisbee leagues: a competitive girls’ league and a more casual co-ed league for fun. These helped me stay social, in shape, and happy. In addition to sports, hanging out with friends, or trying out a new hobby can be useful ways to spend your time. This summer, I plan to start pick-up frisbee games with a friend, and host some barbeques and game nights to spend time with my friends. Summer is an important time to recharge mental health and foster creativity. A productive summer balances fun and growth to accomplish this.
