3 Steps to Make Your Summer Worthwhile

This summer, I am really hoping to immerse myself in the various things going on in my community, as well as doing things that make me happy! I feel that everyone should make their summers worthwhile because once the thrill of being out of school is gone, it is pretty amazing how quickly boredom can lurk its way in.

To help you make the most of summer vacation I suggest we use our abundant free time as a launchpad for future opportunities and career possibilities.  I would like to recommend this 3-step summer to-do list that you can follow to achieve a productive, and enjoyable summer.

Step #1: Find your interest and turn it into a passion!

Many times, people are oblivious to what they are passionate about—and yes, I am also a culprit for this. We don’t tend to discover what interests us until we try something new, or engage ourselves deeply in things we like to do. I suggest that this summer, why not pay attention to what you like to do? Don’t be afraid to sign up for a class, or learn more about what interests you. Summertime is a great time to find your passion and to see what you really like!

Now, if you don’t already have a favorite hobby or if you aren’t quite sure of what interests you, then you can always attend an informational event, ask to shadow a professional in your field, or set up a time in your schedule to pursue an activity that sparks a measure of enjoyment! Never ever be scared to try new things because you will never know if you will succeed unless you try! I remember one summer, I was interested in learning how to cook, so I sat down and took the initiative to learn more. I taught myself new recipes and I helped my mom in the kitchen, and now, cooking is one of my favorite hobbies!

In the end, your interests, as well as the things that you are passionate about can really open up new doors and opportunities for a plethora of learning experiences. So what are you waiting for? Go discover what you are passionate about this summer! 🙂

Step #2:  Set aside time for service.

Taking part in giving back to our community is a great way to help others, make new friends, and take action in something that you really care about! I know that this summer, one of my goals is to take part in community service because not only do I feel good about myself, but I feel that I am benefitting myself in the long run in so many ways. I believe that community service helps you find your true self because you will learn so much about who you are along the way—and who knows, it might even put you on a path for a future career!

With Ramadan coming around the corner, I hope to volunteer at our local Mosque and provide food for families who cannot afford meals. Helping others is always a very rewarding experience, and if you are passionate about a certain cause, or just want to get involved in the community volunteering will be the perfect way to make use of your time!  If you are not sure of what you would like to do you can always visit websites such as www.volunteermatch.org for listings of different volunteer opportunities that you can be part of in your area.

Step  #3:  Get a summer job.

Getting a summer job is a great way to provide you with valuable experience, career exposure, and other educational benefits. Summer jobs can teach you work ethic and can also give you exposure to networking, which will definitely provide you with skills that you will need in the full-time job market.

Try to find something that can help guide you toward your long-term goals. As jobs become harder to find, you may have to take whatever’s available — and that is perfectly fine! Learning to accommodate goals and priorities is another important life skill, and trying to find some aspect of the work that you love will allow you to learn a lot!

I hope that this 3-step to-do list helps you to achieve a productive summer. Good luck!