How to Make the Most of Your Summer
      Paula Ferguson

  Chaotic campus parking, nine o’clock lectures, and 3,500 word essays: Kiss them goodbye. After 10 torturous college months, the seemingly endless gap of nirvana called “summer” has arrived. It’s time to relax, soak up some UV rays, and greet every morning with a grin. But it’s also time to make the most of our precious three month holiday. The blue books will be back before we know it…

Two “summer side-effects” that we’re bound to endure are:

1. Losing the desire to succeed and achieve
2. Metamorphosing into beach bums/couch potatoes

Unfortunately, cozy mattresses and TV don’t help cure these common effects. But wouldn’t you rather fulfill your list of “things to do before I die” than lie on a gritty beach for three months? Admit it – the sand wedged between the toes can get pretty annoying. Not to mention the heaping dunes that’ll slowly coat our shoes and car floors.

This summer, make the season yours. Tackle each day with a fresh mind and conquer your goals. Not sure where to start? Keep reading.

Sitting Around the Campfire
Ever been camping? Whether that’s a “yes,” or a “no,” there’s no better time to camp than throughout the summer months. The thrill of mounting a tent amidst a wooded paradise is sure to be a prized experience. Roasted marshmallows, suspenseful stories, and the feeling of unity encountered while camping will take you back to an era where cell phones, reality TV shows, and drama don’t matter. If you can deal without a toilet or warm water for a few days, camping is the way to go. For further information and resources, log on to www.camping.com.

Exploring the Unknown
While most of us don’t quite have the funds to go backpacking across Europe, there’s always someplace we can afford to visit. Go there! Pack some friends in your car (don’t forget the creamy chicken flavored ramen noodles) and be prepared to explore the unknown. Whether your final destination is San Francisco, Miami Beach, or the new McDonalds on the other side of town, investigating new territory is always a worthwhile experience. So is that epic road trip. Don’t forget the video camera.

Hobby Heaven
We all have hobbies - Photography, sketching, sewing, dancing, collecting Coke bottles…whatever. But how often do you actually dedicate yourself to that passion? If you’re anything like me, you don’t. This three month season is the perfect time to take on a project. If you’re an artist, sculpt some pottery or sketch a portrait. Photographers, pack that portfolio. Dedicate at least one hour every day to your chosen project, and by the end of August, you’ll have created a personal masterpiece and memento that’s sure to last a lifetime.

  

 

Getting Out and About
Attention all couch potatoes and computer geeks: Get out of the house this summer! Give your weary eyes a break from computer games and TV screens, slap on some pants and shoes, and get the hell out. No excuses. Balancing indoor and outdoor time is crucial to a productive summer. A great way to force yourself off the couch is by planning a weekly ritual. For example, meet some friends at your favorite restaurant for some beers on Friday nights, or make all Saturdays movie nights. This is a great way to gather memories. Come fall, you won’t regret it…and your computer will be waiting just where you left it.

 

 

Remember – once the summer’s over, it’s over. I’ve been guilty of wasting my long-awaited break one too many times. You have three months of freedom ahead of you, and yes, only you can make them memorable! Starting today, pick something you’ve been craving to do, and by god, do it. You’ll thank yourself tomorrow, the day after, and for the rest of the summer.