There are so many options for summer activities, no wonder it can be

difficult to know where to begin. While reviewing how IvyWise students

have spent their summers, I noticed that their plans fell under six basic

categories. I included the a few examples in each category to help you

get started. 1. Make a DifferenceCommunity service is always a valuable endeavor, and the summer is a

wonderful time to make a difference in your community. One IvyWise

student spent two summers in high school traveling to India, where she

worked to improve the environment of a local community where she had

family. Another IvyWise student worked full time with children with

disabilities. 2. Explore a CareerHigh school is a time to begin exploring possible careers for later in life. This is especially true for juniors and seniors who may want practical

work experience before deciding what to study in college. One IvyWise

student knew she loved discussing movies with her friends, but had no

formal experience in the film business. Therefore, she used the summer

before her junior year of high school to intern with an independent film

company. Doing so gave her the practical experience that helped her

realize that she did, in fact, want to study film in college. As a visual artist

also interested in business, another IvyWise student decided to spend

the summer before his senior year in college working for an advertising

firm. Over the summer he realized that advertising was not the

profession for him. Eliminating a career possibility brought him a step

closer to discovering what he truly enjoys. 3. Follow a PassionOne IvyWise student just loved biology. He took every possible science

course available in his large high school, but it never seemed to be

enough. Therefore, he decided to spend his summer doing research

with a professor at a university well known for its strength in the

sciences. He was able to spend most of the summer doing cancer

research, and included a summary of his work in his college

applications. Another IvyWise student had a passion for all things

French. Therefore, she spent the summer before her junior year of high

school in France, studying the language, teaching English, and

exploring the culture. 4. Try Something NewTaking a risk and trying something new isn? always easy, but high

school is a great time to learn to take risks and by doing so, discover

new interests and talents. One IvyWise student had never picked up a

camera in her life, but decided that the summer before her sophomore

year of high school, she? like to try. She enrolled in a photography

program, and developed her skills as a photographer. Another IvyWise

student spoke Spanish at home, but decided to use his Spanish

language skills in a new way. On a service trip to the Dominican

Republic, he became the translator for the group, and facilitated

connections between his peers and the people they encountered on

their trip. He learned how his language skills could help him connect

with people with whom he had previously thought he had little in

common. 5. Achieve a GoalGetting away from the hectic schedule of high school can mean more

time to do those things you always wanted, but never had the time. A

politically inclined IvyWise student decided he would read all the non-

fiction political books he could find, as he was rarely assigned such a

book in high school. At the end of the summer he had an impressive

reading list (that he actually included in his college application), and

became more confident when discussing his ideas. Of course, goals

depend on the individual, and could include climbing a mountain,

learning to knit, becoming more outgoing, or writing a novel. 6. Do What You WantIn addition to the programs, the internships, the jobs, the college visits,

or whatever else might be part of your summer, there should also be

time for family, friends, and just for you. No matter how you spend your

summer, do not forget to do the things that make you feel happy and

energized?hether that means spending extra time with your younger

sibling before you leave for college, swimming in the ocean, making

time to see friends you haven? seen in awhile between tests and athletic

games, reflecting on the past year, going out for ice cream, or anything

else, you shouldn? forget to relax and have fun. Jackie Shapiro is a college admissions counselor at IvyWise, LLC -

http://www. ivywise. com

Author:
Jackie Shapiro