There is no "right" way to spend your summer.
As my first year was coming to an end, I grew more and more excited for summer break. It had been five years since my last trip to my family’s home country, and I was ready to unwind - Guatemala awaited me! Yet, despite my big trip, I couldn’t help but start to doubt my summer plans as I heard others talk about their internships, research projects, and other summer endeavors. “Should I be doing this sort of stuff?” I wondered. Was I spending my summer wrong?
I couldn’t help but feel guilty for utilizing my break to travel; it felt like I was wasting time by not working towards an academic or professional goal. However, upon arriving in Guatemala, my thoughts were quickly silenced as I suddenly couldn’t think of anything but the scenery before me: the sound of marimba music playing, Tuk-Tuks (moto-taxis) conquering the roads, and the endless mountains and volcanoes that make up most of Guatemala’s landscape. These all reminded me of how grateful I was for the opportunity to spend my summer back home.
Taking time to unwind made me realize that academic and professional pursuits are not the only options for how students can spend their summers (or a break for that matter). In fact, there is no “right” or “wrong” way for how you should spend your time.
There often lies a misconception that prioritizing personal enjoyment is less valuable than working hard. I couldn’t disagree more.
It was my summer trip that provided me with the space to reflect on my first-year college experience and also think about how I wanted to approach my sophomore year. Now, nearly halfway done with my second year of college, I’m glad my time spent away gave me the energy to tackle this year with a refreshed mindset.
No matter if you’re a prospective or current college student, it’s important to remember that taking time for yourself is okay! So, whether you prefer utilizing your breaks to rest or maintain productivity, how you spend your time is up to you! It does not have to align with everyone else’s plan to remain worthwhile.
