Education and Careers
You want me to do what with my summers?
by Nostagio Onesti
Summer's here, and you long for a lengthy vacation. But wait! If you're at all serious about getting ahead in this world (especially in this day and age) you may want to reconsider lounging around the house for a few months doing nothing. Instead, think about which of the following suggestions suits you best and make something out of your summer. Hey, no one said you couldn't have fun...just don't be a bum.
For those who can use the cash for senior year or freshman year in college expenses. It isn't a bad idea to ease some of your parent's burden with a summer job, plus it will give you valuable experience that will be useful later in life (sooner than you realize). Practice saving money and using savvy money management skills with summer job earnings. Try to find a job where you can advance to a sub-managerial position (get to work on those leadership skills) and whatever you do...do not get fired!
For those of you who know what you will want to do after high school and possibly after college. Get to work on those research skills at a local university or go out of state. Try to find out if you really do want to be a teacher, doctor, accountant...whatever it is you're thinking of doing for an honest living. Use the experience to learn about what life is really like in a profession, to gain experience working in a particular environment (law office, hospital) and if you can earn money, it's like having an awesome job.
For those willing to try helping someone other than themselves this summer, and interested in helping themselves in the process. Come up with a unique project (teaching peers to swim, a math competition) and get as many people as you can involved. Again, experience is key, and you might qualify for certain school credit, depending on the school. You can manage others under you supervision for a project you create, and always look to help with something you are passionate about. Don't help inner-city youths publish their own poetry books if poetry or english isn't your forte.
For those you want a leg up on the competition or who want to get ahead. This is also for students who are extremely motivated and talented in a particular subject or subjects. Challenge yourself to a special school problem or local university class in Sociology or Differential Equations. Learn to drive or swim or another useful skill. Learn CPR at the Red Cross. Just take a class that will benefit you (and maybe others) and make sure its one that you will enjoy.
For those who love (or need) physical competition. Just about any sport will do. You will learn discipline and will benefit from being dedicated. Colleges (and life) will smile upon your ability to do more than tan well. Feel free to combine with other hobbies or interests (calculus class, then football practice, e.g.).
For those who want to work at their own pace. However, unless you've done this successfully before, I recommend you stay away from this one. Most people who say they're self-studying are only fooling themselves and end up wasting more time. However, it can help you get ahead for class and learn a useful skill (such as programming). One can also use this time to improve his ability in a tough subject or skill that was difficult in the past.
Whatever you do, plan for goals, needs (e.g. $$), and the like. Have fun, and dont waste time! Dont be a bum for months...come fall, you'll be much happier you didn't.
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