Making summer count (and still have fun!)

"Studying? During Summer?" The usual reaction I hear from students when they first are offered/suggested to have summer tutoring. But for sure, I hear a whole different response when the school year begins: "Wow! I felt so much more prepared when school started this year..."

Summer is a great time to catch up, move ahead, or spread out in new directions academically. For many years I've taught a study skills workshop in August which is always well-received (and fills up) with students who realize the value of learning some new tricks during the low-pressure time of summer break. [In fact, this summer's workshop is coming up in just a couple of weeks; more on that in the next post..]

The season is also a good time to recover high school credits, raise your GPA, or take a class over a more condensed period of time rather than sitting through months of normal school-year class time. Some folks like to try on community college or distance learning at this time, too.

Best of all, you can pursue some interests with more freedom from time demands, e.g., creative writing, reading/research in an area of your choice, study for a driver's licence, travel, or volunteering and internships to try on a workplace experience that you may not have time to do otherwise. All of these pursuits will broaden your future options, while fending off boredom and hours of TV drivel.

Keep an open mind; watch for some opportunities to do more than just hang out. You'll be glad you did!