Well folks, the final push is here. Papers, projects, labs and the ever-prevailing final exams stand between this moment and the glorious weeks of summer. But as months of endless study sessions, jam packed schedules, and sleep deprived weekends come to a close, it’s tempting to halt your productivity-drive, too (not that we’re always productive anyways…I’m SO behind on this season of 90210).
Whether you have an internship lined up for the summer, are working your typical summer job, plan on babysitting, or have twelve straight weeks of leisure (in which case, I envy you), there is always something that can make you a more interesting person! Think about it. Would you be more intrigued by the normal girl who spent her summer waitressing and going to the beach, or the one who taught herself origami and Swedish? Fold me a paper crane and tell me the meaning of jag vet inte vad jag säger!
Picking up a new language can be very frustrating, but computer programs like Rosetta Stone are designed for busy-bees such as yourself. Convincing a friend to join your endeavor ensures you’ll have someone to practice with! Plus, its’ always fun to randomly start speaking in an exotic language. Just don’t be THAT girl (me) who attempts to converse in French at inappropriate times with people who can only say “voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir”… Trust me, it’s a bad idea.
If you’re hoping to work but haven’t landed a summer job or internship yet, there still might be a possibility of finding a position. Try approaching a local organization with a proposal of how you could benefit the company as an intern. If convincing, you may instigate the creation of a new job within the organization. Look at you go!
Do you like kids? Are you particularly creative? If you’re willing to set up a flexible schedule (or not flexible if you’re working for an uptight soccer mom), consider running your own babysitting business. Create a brightly colored flyer, rekindle that relationship with your pregnant neighbor, and do whatever you can to spread the word that you are back in town and ready to entertain the kiddies. Remember how easily entertained you were at a young age? Shake a container of sequins over a table with some glitter glue and make picture frames or magnets.
Write a “cook-book” with a few simple recipes like Rice Krispie treats or results of your own experiments—try microwavable bagel pizzas or chocolate covered strawberries. Its always fun to decorate with sprinkles or icing, and then take a picture for your book!
If I’m ever in charge of a large group of kids, I like to make obstacle courses outside or create new games involving teams. This way, you’re not doing a song and dance routine for hours on end, and they usually wind up entertaining each other. Regardless of what you do, babysitting can be a blast. Just don’t be afraid to get a little messy.
Something I’ve been looking forward to is the opportunity to revamp some of my clothes that I’m straight up bored with. I have headbands to tie-dye, shirts to fringe, and 80’s high-waisted mom jeans to crop and distress (drag a razor over the fabric to create texture). My TOMs are looking a little rough lately as well, so I might sew some cool fabric over the front fold to make them more unique. People have come up with brilliant ideas for these types of creations, and I’m sure Pinterest would do you justice for finding new crafty things.
How cool is this?