I know it’s still winter, and although it’s been freakishly warm lately, I’m convinced that the cold isn’t going away any time soon. In the midst of this heat wave, I find myself thinking about summer. I can’t wait till I frolic in the warm summer sun in shorts and a t-shirt (attention crazy BU students: 50 degrees is not shorts weather). While I enjoy daydreaming about running through fields of flowers, a small, yet incredibly bothersome thought pops into my head, ruining my fantasy: I don’t have summer plans.
I know that’s not upsetting to some, however I’m not the type of person who does well without a plan. The thought that I have no plan, especially for a four-month portion of my life, is followed by intense pangs of anxiety. I’m breathing into a paper bag as I write this.
The other unfortunate character flaw I posses, that happens to be in stark contradiction to my need to plan, is that I’m a procrastinator. As much as I need a plan, I can’t help but wait till the last minute to make one.
I’m not crazy for wanting to plan ahead. In the world of summer jobs, internships and living arrangements, things need to get done well in advance.
I take comfort in the fact that I’m not alone in the quest to find a perfect summer plan. Here is some advice (that I should probably follow too) on how to find something great to do this summer.
1. Be realistic. Don’t expect to get a job or internship at the first place you apply. It’s a competitive world out there, so be prepared for the fact that you might not get your first choice.
2. You don’t have to get a job. Some like to use the summer as an opportunity to make extra cash and build on their resume, but it’s not for everyone. There are plenty of other great options like studying abroad or volunteer programs. Take the time to find what’s best for you. Check out http://www.bu.edu/abroad/find-programs/by-semester/summer-programs/ to see some of the great options BU offers.
3. Start now! This is the piece of advice that I myself most need to take. There’s still time to apply for jobs and sign up for summer trips. So get out there! The more proactive you are, the greater chance you have of finding something awesome.
I know the task of applying for various jobs can be daunting; that’s the main reason I’ve been putting it off so much. However, sometimes you have to do what you’ve been avoiding because, in the end, the result will be worth all of the work. I know I’m going to have to put myself out there, and I might not get my dream job, but hopefully I’ll find something great to do, and then I can look forward to a summer worth loving.