For many, summer is nearly halfway through. Whether you're just starting your vacation season or you're looking for your next summer adventure, here are some things you can do before school starts again in the fall.
Plan a Senior Trip with Friends
This one is for the new batch of high school alumni. Before you and your friends go your separate ways and venture off into the daunting world of higher education and adulthood, a senior trip would make for a great final shebang that's unique to your friend group. It may be the last time you're all in the same place before college, so make your time count! If you're wondering where to start, consider amusement parks, nearby cities, beach towns, or a road trip.
Go on a Shopping Spree
Unless you went into high school with impeccable style and are leaving it with the same one, you'll probably want to replenish your closet with some new garb. This is the moment you and your "Future Closet" Pinterest board have been waiting for. Check all of your birthday cards and graduation gifts for any extra cash, then hit the mall or thrift store. This spree isn't limited to just clothes—you can also use this time to find furniture for dorms and seasonal must-haves.
Land a Summer Job or Internship
It may be a bit late for this one, but that doesn't mean that you can't try to make some money this summer. Take a look at your abilities and qualifications, then see what job openings and internships are available near you. Even if you think you're too young or there are others with greater experience, there's never any harm in stepping into society as a first-time contributing member.
This year especially, I've seen a bunch of digital advertisements for babysitting and social media internships. Many restaurants, fast food joints, and customer service-style jobs are often open to hiring first-time workers, so take advantage of that! Hint: small companies always need tech-savvy people!
Travel (Safely) While You Can
This goes hand-in-hand with the Senior Trip idea: take advantage of the moments that aren't tainted by school-related stress and adulthood. Of course, the global pandemic has not come to an end, so please keep in mind any and all safety precautions. If you'd like to be extra cautious, opt for outdoor and/or low-contact events.
Remember that affordable fun is the best kind of fun. Try to stick to a budget trip since you're about to spend all of your money on college tuition, housing, books, etc.
Do Some Community Service
Grab some friends and make some positive changes in your community. Cleaning parks and beaches is one of the easiest ways to get your daily dose of sunshine while boosting your city's visual appeal and decreasing the harmful impact of trash on the environment. There are tons of different ways to give back to your community, so if cleaning isn't your forte, be sure to look for other projects unique to your area. For some added fun, follow up these service sessions with ice cream or a sunset stroll, if you're not too worn out.
Take Plenty of Photos
This applies to all of the above. The current trend of "romanticizing your life" involves taking pictures of things in your life that are beautiful, and the memories you make this summer could set an amazing precedent for years to come. You can make a photo shoot out of anything.
Whether you're grabbing lunch with your friends, journaling with coffee in hand, helping those in need, or dog-sitting for your neighbor, snap a picture! You'll want to remember these good times, I promise.
What are you waiting for?
Now that I've sparked some ideas, get to planning. This is your summer, so make the most of it!
