School's Out: What Now?
No more homework, no more books … well, you know the rest. Summer has finally arrived, and the academic pressure is off. You probably have quite a few plans for the next three months: sleeping late, hanging out with friends, making some money at a part-time job. Without a doubt, this is the time to get in some much-needed and well-deserved rest. Remember, though, fall can sneak up on you all too quickly. While fun and relaxation are important to your well-being, you don’t want to lose any academic ground. Consider taking on some of the activities listed below during your summer break. They will help keep your mind active without stressing you out.
1. Read the newspaper.
Reading a local or national newspaper serves a number of purposes. You will build your vocabulary and strengthen your reading-comprehension skills. You’ll also learn about local, national, and global current events and become a more well-rounded individual.
2. Take a class.
Consider exploring an area of interest that you don't have time for during the school year. For instance, if you’ve always wanted to try out French but have been too busy taking Spanish, find an introductory course in the language at a community college. Or perhaps you’d like to take an advanced class that will allow you to learn more about a particular subject before school starts in the fall. Either way, you’ll be able to strengthen your organizational, homework, and study skills as you delve into an exciting new area.
3. Join or form a book club.
Reading is a key to academic success. It’s the best way to build vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, and gain skills in analyzing literature. Keeping up with contemporary authors as well as exploring the classics (see our article on 101 Great Books Recommended for College-Bound Readers) will increase your understanding of literary techniques, such as tone, symbolism, and metaphor. And participating in a book club is an ideal way to become comfortable with sharing your thoughts on literature in a group setting, a common activity in advanced-level classes. In addition, you can hone your organizational and leadership skills as the person who coordinates the club’s reading selections, meetings, and discussions.
4. Keep a journal.
The more you write, the easier writing becomes. By keeping a daily or weekly diary, or by writing a blog on the web, you will automatically boost your composition skills. You’ll learn about your own writing style in addition to heightening your awareness of grammar rules and effective sentence structure. You’ll also have an outlet for creative self-expression. Who knows? As you compose tales about your vacation, work experiences, and personal relationships, you may find the perfect topic for one of your college-application essays.
5. Volunteer.
There is no shortage of organizations that can use a helping hand. Hospitals, nursing homes, animal shelters, and food banks are just a few places that need energetic and caring volunteers. The benefits are reciprocal: while you help others, you get the chance to boost your interpersonal skills as well as practice good time management and scheduling. Don't underestimate the importance of a solid work ethic combined with a passion for a good cause; volunteering will provide you with an opportunity to show what you’re really made of.
Summer is definitely the time to kick back, relax, and reward yourself for working hard throughout the school year. But as you focus on the present, don’t lose sight of your future goals and aspirations. A few easy steps can keep you at the top of your game, ready and energized to meet the demands you'll face in the fall.
