I love summers.

I know what you may be thinking: “Yes, you and most other people.”

Yet, whether you are a student; teacher; administrator; or school counselor, you likely agree. Everybody loves summer (well, maybe caregivers don’t always feel that way). But, safe to say, summers are definitely loved by many in education.

Summers can be the perfect time for growth and rejuvenation. I tell people all the time that summers are the time–if you are involved in any way in the field of education–to take yourself to that next level, whether it be academic-wise; skill-development-wise; personal growth-wise, or any other area of learning and self-improvement.

I always like to take a few days after the school year ends to rest-up and then begin to really plan-out my summer. I often will decide to take a summer college course; but also mix in plenty of trips to the library, routinely leaving with books falling out of my arms. It’s also a time for me to revel in some of my favorite activities, like going to baseball games; camping outdoors (pop-up tent-style is how I roll); and doing more biking and other outdoor exercise-related activities.

Nothing beats having a full 24-hour period–seven days a week–for a couple months every year to do almost anything that you want to do. What can be accomplished can be incredible!

Whether you are a student or professional educator, here are ten different things, or ideas, you can do to make this upcoming summer both memorable and impactful.

1. Take a Class:

Whether it is a class at the local community college or university; an online course; or even a community-based hands-on experience (like an art class; a DIY workshop; or a fitness instruction course), summer classes can be extra great because they allow students–of all levels–to keep their academic skills in maintenance mode during the summer months, and to be able to do so in a more relaxed, calmed environment. Class sizes tend to be smaller and you can be around other learners who really want to be there learning right alongside you.

For instance, I recently had a student who wanted to take a computer programming college-level course at the local community college. This student then recruited their friend and they ended up taking the same course together–and they both had a great experience sampling the learning level, and content, of a college course (which also looked really good on their college applications that they were working on during their Senior year).

If you have no idea what you want to do this summer–or are worried you might be a bit bored–this can be the perfect place to start!

2. Pick-Up a Part-Time Job:

I cannot remember a better time, than right now, for workers–of all levels and ages–to find additional income-based opportunities. Whether you are a student wanting extra money to purchase your first vehicle or to buy that cool new outfit, or you are an educator looking to supplement your income in the summer months, if you have the time, there may be that perfect, flexible part-time gig or side hustle out there waiting just for you–and you may not have to look very far, either. Cast a wide net and keep an open mind. There are plenty of income-based opportunities just waiting to be discovered–and claimed–if you have the time and are wanting to put a few extra bucks in your wallet!

3. Find That Perfect Internship or Job Shadowing Opportunity:

I am a huge proponent of experiential learning for students. Not only can these hands-on, real-world experiences show students what they may want to study–academically–or pursue– vocationally–they also can allow students to network and experience much of the day-to-day rhythms and flows of daily work life. Even a simple job shadowing experience can be super valuable–particularly, for high school students. Internships are even better, because they function very much like a regular job, but can allow even greater levels of flexibility for students, sometimes even allowing students to create their own unique Internship role. Even for educators, Internships can also be much more doable in the Summer months.

4. Hit the Road, Jack (or, insert your own name here______________):

Who doesn’t love to travel and get away, even if just occasionally? The summer-time is the perfect time to hit the road and travel to either long-loved nearby locales or far-off fantasy lands–the choice is yours! Those who travel know the many benefits: a sense of adventure; figuring out things on the fly; hitting the reset button; stepping out of our comfort zones; seeing new things for the very first time–and on and on. Travel expands the mind and allows us to dream bigger dreams and to gain confidence and inspiration along the way. Even with rising gas prices, see if you can make a least one fun summer trip this year.

5. Read Books:

Similar to traveling, books are sort of like a vacation or travel trip for the mind. Books can open us up to all sorts of new worlds, all on their own. What is more, I love my local library because I can check out about ten books at a time and take them with me wherever I go. They are, literally, the perfect travel companion, especially on those relaxing, lazy summer days. Dust-off your library card now and start putting together your perfect summer reading list!

6. Learn Another Language:

This idea can be paired quite well with travel and books, too. Especially, if you are doing international traveling of any sorts–and may be in places where English is not the dominant language–you can really brush up on your second language skills with these types of language-immersion experiences. Likewise, taking a summer language course at the local community college can be a great way of building those second language skills–as can fun phone apps like Duolingo, as well.

7. Jump-into Travel Sports or Other Fun Outdoor Fitness Activities:

Whether it is hitting the road (combining travel) for different physical fitness activities and competitions, or even just biking down to the local park, the summer-time affords no shortage of great outdoor activities. Some of my favorites include: running; hiking; biking; playing softball; hitting at the batting cages; miniature golf; swimming; and playing basketball. What are some of your go-to summer fitness activities? If you do not currently have one, sample a bunch of them and see which ones you like the most! Also, don’t worry: Sports and physical fitness activities need not be competitive. While some people do like the competitive aspects of sports, it does not have to preclude anyone from finding a great way to pass the summer hours, all the while keeping yourself physically strong and healthy.

8. Hone a Hobby:

The summer is a great time to devote extra time to previously neglected hobbies (or to pick up entirely new hobbies and interests). Hobbies need time to be nurtured and enjoyed, and the summer can provide that perfect time to get lost in those fun interests that bring people joy. Growing up, I loved sports cards, so in the summer-time I would organize them by teams and sets; carefully placing them in binders; and really enjoying building-up my collections. Believe it or not, I still like sports cards all these years later. Which hobby would you like to grow or develop more this summer? What is more, if you are a student, colleges love to hear more about your hobbies and interests, and you can maybe even get a bit creative and spin a favorite hobby or activity into a side-hustle and make a little bit of extra cash, too, at the end of the day!

9. Volunteer:

If all else fails, nothing beats volunteering and the feeling of giving back to others in your own community. Not only is a great way to pass the time, but you can also meet some other great, altruistically-driven people, like yourself,  in the process. For students, not only are colleges eager and excited to learn more about your hobbies and other summer activities, but volunteering is a great way to further hone and develop your leadership and service-based skills and abilities. Colleges can then see that you are likely to continue volunteering and giving back, once on campus, and that is something that can definitely help your chances of getting into some of your top schools. Give back this summer, but don’t be surprised if you get more out of the experience than you thought you had put in–volunteering is pretty great like that sometimes!

10. Make It Up as You Go or Check-Off Something From Your Bucket List:

Finally, maybe you might prefer to create and experience either a more spontaneous, open-ended approach to the summer, or maybe to check-off an item or two on your bucket list. This sort of approach to the summer can be both parts exciting and unpredictable (but in a good way!). Keeping things more open-ended may allow you to breathe more easily and allow the flow and rhythm of summer to evolve more naturally as the season moves along. But just remember: Summer should be a time to revel in great weather and great experiences–whether you want to take a more structured approach or more free-flowing approach this time around.

What are your summer plans for this year? I would love to hear what you have planned!

–The Blue-Collar Counselor