Schools Out, Now What?
by Madison Cook | Contributor
Exams are finished, the days are getting warmer, and SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE! Late nights, sleeping in, Netflix marathons, and long days of sunbathing! What could be better?
However… after about a week of this “summer fun,” school doesn’t seem so bad anymore. Three months without school offers plenty of time for relaxation, but how much is too much? It seems teens constantly struggle to strike the right balance between total relaxation and being productive during their break. With the college admissions process becoming increasingly competitive and the current job market implications for young adults, making effective use of summer is more crucial than ever. But what does “being productive,” as emphasized by parents and teachers, actually mean?
According to Marie Bigham, Greenhill School’s College Counseling Director and a board member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, colleges want to see that students engage in “something” with their time rather than just hanging out. Productive summers can take many forms, including attending summer camp, working, doing academic projects, conducting research, traveling, and playing sports. Bigham advises against expensive programs that seem to promise too much, stating, “no summer program will guarantee college admission, and free activities can be just as beneficial as costly ones.” Colleges recognize summer as a time to relax, but they hope to see evidence of intellectual and community involvement, as well as a display of responsibility and commitment. Ideally, they want students to gain essential life skills, such as interacting with the public, being consistent, and earning money—all valuable lessons gained from a summer job! Bigham points out that finding suitable opportunities may be a challenge, but suggests teenlife.com as a useful resource. While not many companies hire teens, she offers the best advice: remain humble, be open-minded, and be willing to start with “grunt work.”
Sunshine, Fun Time and a Whole Lot of College Prep…
Hear How Some Kids are Spending Their Summer Break
Lauren Raskin, rising senior
Ursuline Academy of Dallas
“Summer is the time when we can recharge without worrying about school! From the age of 7, I’ve spent the majority of my summers at the stables, riding as much as possible. This summer, my challenge will be balancing horseback riding with ACT prep and college visits!”
Sophie Shiff, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“During the summer, I believe teens should cherish the break from school while also preparing for the upcoming year! I plan to relax, catch up with friends, enjoy longer sleep, and take SAT classes to prepare for junior year. Additionally, I will get ahead on my volunteer work with NCL.”
Walker Tait, rising junior
Greenhill School
“I think teens should use their summer to unwind with friends and relax. They should also take time to travel and break free from the routine of the school year while still finding ways to keep their minds engaged, such as reading.”
Caitlin Smith, current senior
Plano East High School
“Following my graduation, I intend to focus on quality time with friends and family. It’s vital to enjoy these last few months before college while purchasing all my essentials. This summer will be calmer than previous ones for me. Last year, I interned at Kaplan Pediatrics in Plano, shadowing Dr. Kaplan, which was both enjoyable and educational. I believe that is the essence of summer: making productive use of free time while having fun.”
Daria Cosgrove, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“I believe teens should spend their summer enjoying the warm weather and being active instead of lounging indoors! I plan to play a lot of basketball and work out to improve my game, while also spending time outdoors with friends. Another priority for me this summer is preparing for the SAT/ACT, so I’ll be attending prep classes for that purpose!”
Joy Kurdi, rising junior
Prince of Peace Christian School
“I’m traveling to Europe for the first time with my family! We have planned stops in London, Spain, Scotland, and France. Right now, I’m waiting for my first passport to arrive in the mail!”
Sam Yuan, rising junior
Prince of Peace Christian School
“This was my first year in the United States and my first experience with American high school. I will take a summer class in June and then return home to China in mid-July, coming back to the U.S. in August for my junior year.”
Keaton Butowsky, rising senior
Greenhill School
“I believe summer should be about doing things you can’t fit into the busy school year. I’ll be spending a month in Taipei, Taiwan for a Chinese immersion program, taking an economics class at Greenhill to create more flexibility for my school year, attending a college essay workshop for application preparation, and working on student council since I have been elected president for senior year.”
Kahrej Alhuwalia, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“This summer, I’m excited to celebrate my brothers’ high school graduations while also focusing on my SAT preparation and balancing time with family and friends. I believe it’s essential for teens to spend their summers preparing for their futures but still having fun and relaxing on their break. Previously, I have also helped charity organizations around the metroplex during the summer.”
JC Weed, rising senior
Prince of Peace Christian School
“I was involved in a serious Mule ATV accident in January, so I’ll continue my physical therapy this summer while also practicing to run for the POPCS cross-country team again. My family and I plan to visit colleges in the Northeast, including Clemson University, Cornell University, and Purdue University.”
