By CHASE BRODSKY
Summer has a different definition from one person to the next. This summer, students are trying to find the right balance between stress-free activities and beneficial-for-college opportunities.
Some students believe that there should be a mix of summer activities that focus on mental health and college résumé building. Sophomore Kazuki K.-B. said, “I think it is important to have a fair share of fun activities and things to help prepare for the future.”
Junior Michelle R. is at the point when she wants to focus her summer on her career in the years to come. She said, “As a 9th or 10th grader, I think you should be focusing on mental health. For junior and senior year, do some research on summer credits and internships.”
Michelle R. believes that rising freshman and sophomores should “stick to one or two niches and focus on that.”
Alison D., mother of Freshman Alex, believes that summer in itself is a learning experience. She said, “During the summer, we learn so much more important things related to real life than you do in the classroom during the year.”
Almost half (46%) of the respondents to a JerEcho survey of 9th-12th graders said that their summer is based around strengthening their college applications.
One survey respondent said, “Jobs over the summer are important in assisting with life skills that they will use for the rest of their life, no matter the job, so I think working at some point during high school is very important.”
A majority of students, approximately 72%, believe having a job is an important way to spend their summer.
Guidance counselor Ms. Nasser has her own ideas of a great summer for high schoolers. She said, “I think this summer is really a time to recharge, relax, and spend time with family and friends.”
Even though focusing on your mental health is crucial to success, Ms. Nasser said of summer vacation, “You should try to do something to be productive and enhance your résumé. You don’t want to just sit home all day and watch TV.”
great article chase!