Woo-hoo, you are finally done. Either you’re a now standing sophomore, junior or senior; we have all survived and thrived this school year. After weeks of stressing over little assignments, group projects, huge tests and finally moving out of your dorm, it’s summer time. So the real question is: what are your plans this summer? Are you going to take an adventure with friends on a road trip, or binge-watch Netflix, inside your house where it’s cold and relaxing? For myself, I will be staying put in the good ole’ Davenport. As I am completing my first summer internship, taking summer courses and working part-time at a local restaurant, I will be making the best of my summer. Fortunately, I will have one of my best friends alongside me throughout this summer.
Wherever you are this summer, either back home, staying on campus, or in a new place that you will call home for the next three months, there are tons of things every girl should be doing this summer.
1. Explore your local bike paths or hiking trails.
Near every town, there are some kind of hiking trails, either by lakes, or rivers or any wild-life area. These areas are really great to explore and get some exercise. Bring a friend, your pet, and get your Lewis and Clarke on! Bike trails are another great way to be outside and enjoy the wildlife during the summer. Some bike trails have a visitor’s area, where you can rent bikes for the whole day. Check out some local areas for more information!
2. Pick up that dusty book.
Now, I am even victim to this old habit. Picking up an old book or buying new books that were best-sellers and never reading them. I get it. Reading voluntarily during the school year can be challenging and hard to keep up with. This is the perfect time! Make a list of books that you have always wanted to read, or which one has had the latest buzz, and spend some time reading! A book that is getting a lot of great feedback, “The Fault in our Stars,” is coming to a silver-screen near you soon this summer! This story tells a love story of two people who share something very special in common. Read it, and weep!
3. Work-Out!
Commit to a workout routine this summer. Staying committed to a regular workout routine will help you feel better about yourself whenever you come back for school. Staying fit during the summer can be challenging whenever there are so many distractions keeping you from exercising. Make it fun! Work out with friends, create a bumpin’ playlist, and jam out with friends and feel great about yourself!
4. Meet up with old friends, make new friends!
Last summer was my first summer after college. I wasn’t sure what to expect because by that time, the big group of friends I had in high school, had gone their separate ways. It’s always nice to have that one small group. I remember having so much fun with this group of girls last summer! The summer after college can be stressful because people can change, but making the best of the situation and your summer is important! Stress-less, and go out and make a new friend this summer. My group met a few people through the local colleges, and we ended up getting along well, and always hanging out. Put yourself out there, and be outgoing!
The most important thing is to have fun this summer! Either it’s new experiences like internships, jobs, classes or going home, make the best of the situation. I am really excited to live in a new city this summer because I get to explore and learn different things about it. Checking out different restaurants, sights and experiencing a new group of people will make my summer one of the bests! So close up those back packs, and have fun!