Student Summer Plans

As a teacher to juniors and seniors in high school, it’s important to encourage students to use their summer wisely as potentially one of the last extended breaks of their life. Students should focus on activities that will prepare them for the future, and activities that they enjoy and love to do. Here is a great list of ideas for students to keep them active and engaged for the summer months!

Get a Job: With open availability, this is a great time of year for students to work, earn, and save. Typical jobs for high-school students include retail and food industry. Some jobs might be future interest based, like a paid internship, working in an office, or as an apprentice for a labor position. There are also seasonal positions like lifeguarding, summer camp counselor, child care, zoos, golf courses, etc. Students would be wise to look at their potential earnings and coming up with a goal or savings plan. Check out this article for ideas on high school part time jobs.

Classes: I know, I know: classes kind of defeats the whole definition of summer. However, with the extended expectations of degrees in college, many students opt to earn dual credit at community colleges or take summer school classes that free up their school year for more advanced opportunities.  Students still have a break from the full school day experience, and don’t feel as overwhelmed having work for just one or two courses in the summer as opposed to a full course load.

Hobbies and Talents: with the great weather, and the flexible schedule, students should take full advantage of doing something they really love.  Like I said, this may be the last time in the near future to take advantage of a break. Play a sport, take up running, join a theater group, take up an instrument,... just do something you love.

Volunteer: Junior and Senior year is when students are in full swing of college applications.  Students should have a few volunteer and extra-curricular activities in their back pocket.  There are great opportunities at libraries, churches, child care facilities, parks, and community centers. Make sure to log or have documentation of the hours completed and a description of the event or task. Check out this article for community service ideas.

Prepare for Future: There is no time like the present to start working for the future. Summer is a perfect time to prepare for college entrance exams, visit college campuses (although there might not be as much activity in the summer), save money, or research scholarships. Here is a great resource for college planning.