Summer has finally arrived and the only thing on your mind is trying to relax after a grueling year of school. Many of you will put all your notes and binders somewhere in the deep crevices of your closet and never look at them until forced upon you; but think twice before you decided to put you brain into summer mode. While every one of you guys do deserve a long and relaxing break, keep in mind that it can be very easy to let that relaxation period get the better of us, and may we end up falling into what I like to call the "lazy pit". That pit is where we do nothing but play games, watch tv, or go on the internet all day long. Although those activities may be fun at times, there are better, more productive things that can better occupy our time. While my personal list is not at all inclusive of everything, they are things that I believe most kids would enjoy doing.
1. Take summer school at local community college.
Yes, I know what you are thinking, why put yourself through more school while you could be relaxing at home? While summer school is in fact school, it may not be like what you would expect. Many of the classes offered at these colleges are fun and interesting, and the best part is that YOU get to choose what you want to take. You are not limited by some wacky requirement, you base your schedule around your own interests. If things such as philosophy or female authors, you could take classes that are based on those very things. And more times than not, you will find yourself enjoying the material and the knowledge you are learning. These classes may also help in your decisions on what you want to major in college. For example, if you are interested in computer engineering (like myself) and want to experience what it is like to be in a college-level computer programming class, you could sign up at your local community college. This will help in your decisions later on.
2. Get involved in your community.
One of the best ways to keep active during summer is to get involved in community activities and doing community service. Instead of laying in bed watching tv, you could be helping out kids at a rec center or teaching kids how to swim at your local swimming pool. Doing those types of activities will not only keep you busy during summer, but also help you later on when college applications roll in. And the best thing about doing community service is that you don't have to do it alone. Call up some of your friends and ask them if they would be willing to volunteer with you. You never know, a community service project may turn into a enjoyable bonding experience.
3. Sports
Doing sports during the summer is a great way for you to keep active as well as get you into better shape.
Try a sport you enjoy watching or one that sounds interesting to you. Also, look around and see if there are some sports that you never heard of before, and give them a try. Yeah, basketball, baseball, football, hockey etc. are the big sports; but other sports such as ultimate Frisbee are very fun as well!
4. If all else fails, there is always next year.
If you have tried all the other activities and still find yourself stuck at home doing nothing, you can always look towards next year. I'm pretty sure most of you reading this will be taking some AP classes next year, and getting ahead start in those classes will definitely help!If you have summer work, don't wit until the last week of summer to start on it, do it whenever you have free time. This will help you understand the material better and you will be able to work at your own pace, instead of rushing through it to get it done.If you are taking an AP English course (literature or language), I would recommend reading some novels during the summer to help you keep those creative juices flowing. Also, head over to your library and check out some prep books on the AP classes you are taking. No, I am not telling you to start working on it, but skim through it every once in a while so you get an idea of what you will be learning, you never know, it may just help you later on.
