School’s Out, What Lies Ahead?
by Madison Cook | Contributor
Exams are wrapped up, temperatures are on the rise, and SUMMER HAS ARRIVED! Late-night hangouts, leisurely mornings, binge-watching Netflix, and soaking up the sun for hours—what could possibly be better?
However, after just a week of this “summer fun,” school starts to look more appealing. A full three months without classes allows for plenty of relaxation, but how much downtime is actually beneficial? It appears that many teenagers struggle to find the right mix of relaxation and productivity during this lengthy break. In an era where the college admissions process is increasingly cutthroat and today’s young adults face a complex job market, utilizing summer effectively is more crucial than ever. But what precisely constitutes the “productive” activities that parents and teachers often advocate for?
Marie Bigham, the College Counseling Director at Greenhill School and a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s Board of Directors, emphasizes that colleges are interested in seeing students engage in meaningful activities during their summer. Rather than simply lounging around, Bigham suggests that summer can be defined by various productive outlets, such as attending summer camps, holding jobs, pursuing academic endeavors, conducting research, traveling, or partaking in sports. She cautions against enrolling in expensive programs that promise much, explaining that “no summer program guarantees college admission, and free activities can be just as beneficial as costly ones.” While colleges recognize the importance of relaxation during the summer, they also value intellectual pursuits, community involvement, and demonstrated commitment and responsibility. Ultimately, colleges hope that students cultivate essential life skills, like interacting with the public, demonstrating reliability, and earning income—all of which can be gained through summer employment. Bigham notes that finding suitable opportunities can be challenging, but she highly recommends consulting teenlife.com for a wealth of resources. She advises teens who are searching for jobs to remain humble, open-minded, and willing to undertake entry-level tasks.
Bright Days, Fun Times, and a Bit of College Preparation…
How Some Students Are Spending Their Summer Break
Lauren Raskin, rising senior
Ursuline Academy of Dallas
“Summer is our chance to recharge, during which the pressures of school are temporarily lifted! Since I was 7, I’ve spent the majority of my summers at the stables, riding whenever I can. This summer, my challenge will be balancing my passion for horseback riding with ACT prep and college tours!”
Sophie Shiff, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“I believe that while summer should be enjoyable, it’s also a great opportunity for teens to prepare for the upcoming school year! I intend to relax, connect with friends, sleep in, and get ready for junior year by attending SAT classes. I’m also eager to get a head start on my community service commitments through NCL.”
Walker Tait, rising junior
Greenhill School
“I think summer is the perfect time for teenagers to unwind, hang out with friends, and travel. It’s essential to break away from the standard school routine while also engaging in stimulating activities, like reading.”
Caitlin Smith, current senior
Plano East High School
“After graduating, I plan to spend meaningful time with my family and friends. It’s vital to savor my last summer with them before heading to college, while also ensuring I purchase all essentials for my new journey. This summer, unlike previous ones, will be a bit more laid-back. Last year, I interned at Kaplan Pediatrics in Plano, where I had the valuable experience of shadowing Dr. Kaplan. It truly was enjoyable and educational—after all, summer is about striking a balance between productivity and fun.”
Daria Cosgrove, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“I believe summers should be spent outdoors, enjoying the warm weather and staying active instead of being couch-bound! My plans include a lot of basketball practice and workouts to improve my skills, along with hanging out with friends in the sun. Additionally, I’m focused on preparing for the SAT/ACT by attending prep classes.”
Joy Kurdi, rising junior, Prince of Peace Christian School
“I’m thrilled about traveling to Europe for the first time with my family! We have plans to visit London, Spain, Scotland, and France. I’m currently waiting for my very first passport to arrive!”
Sam Yuan, rising junior
Prince of Peace Christian School
“This year marks my first in the United States and also my inaugural year at an American high school. I’ll be attending a summer class in June, followed by a trip back home to China in mid-July. I’ll return to the U.S. in August to continue my junior year.”
Keaton Butowsky, rising senior, Greenhill School
“To me, summer is about pursuing activities that get sidelined during the hectic school year. This summer, I’m heading to Taipei, Taiwan, for a month as part of a Chinese immersion program and taking an economics course at Greenhill. Additionally, I’m participating in a college essay workshop to prepare for my college applications and working on my role as student council president.”
Kahrej Alhuwalia, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“This summer, I’m excited to celebrate my brothers’ high school graduations before diving into my SAT preparations while spending quality time with family and friends. I feel strongly that while it’s crucial for teens to focus on future goals during the summer, relaxation and enjoyment should also be at the forefront. In previous summers, I’ve engaged in volunteer work with various charities throughout the area.”
JC Weed, rising senior
Prince of Peace Christian School
“After being involved in a serious Mule ATV accident in January, my summer will include ongoing physical therapy as I work towards running again for the POPCS cross-country team. Additionally, my family and I are planning to visit colleges in the Northeast, including Clemson University, Cornell University, and Purdue University.”
