For many students across the nation, Alice Cooper's "School's Out" becomes their anthem around May or June.
No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks
Out for summer
Out till fall- Alice Cooper
The joy of school ending leads one to wonder what they will do for those moments when they are away from school. The freedom you experience at school is nothing compared to going back to your parents' house and being "under their rules." So what should I do for the summer? This is the question you are probably asking yourself now and this post will give you general ideas of what a college student can do for the summer:
1.Find an Internship or Fellowship
In today's world, earning a bachelor's degree is just not enough anymore. With an increase of degrees being awarded and the decrease of available jobs we saw circa 2009, it is imperative to gain some sort of experience in your field of study. Internships and fellowships are the gateway to acquiring a job once you graduate. Not only do you gain experience, you learn the necessary skills to operate within your field that you did not learn in school. Keep in mind that not all internships and fellowships pay, but the experience you gain will pay out. Check your school's career service center, and if they do not have any opportunities, send me an email, and I am more than willing to share some opportunities I know of.
2.Volunteer
Educator and activist Marian Wright Edelman once said, "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." Whether you volunteer in your school's local community or your hometown, find something to do to give back. Attending a university provides you with a privilege that many others may not have, and a great way to share your talents is to serve the community. Find a place that interests you most, and go for it. Check out Volunteermatch.com for opportunities where you live, and help strengthen your community.
3.Work
You may not be ready to participate in an internship or fellowship for a number of reasons (grades, deadlines past, inability to relocate, etc.) and this is ok. Finding a cool summer job not only gives you something to do during your days, but gives you the extra cash you need to do what you want. Find somewhere that not only interests you, but keeps you busy. If you love fashion, head to your local mall and find out what stores are hiring and apply. If you are interested in food services, find your favorite restaurant and work there. There are benefits to working at your favorite store or establishment, and all it takes is 20-30 minutes to apply.
4.Travel
The summer offers you an opportunity to leave your comfort zone and explore the rest of the world. Whether you take an adventure in your own city or scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, the opportunities are endless when it comes to traveling. I suggest being strategic in planning your trip, and executing your plan.
When it comes to Summer 2015, anything is possible. If you can dream it, you can make it happen. Congrats on finishing another year in school, and make the most of your time away from books.