What ever happened to summer vacation being a time of leisure and fun?

Remember when summertime meant going on vacations with family, spending time with friends and waiting to do annual summer reading until the week before school began? Instead of concentrating on relaxation and rejuvenation for the next school year, many college students spend their summer vacation working to get ahead in school.

Although vacations may still be a part of one’s summer break, usually other forces such as summer classes and work make it difficult to plan a retreat away from reality. Especially since most students rely on summer jobs as a source of income to fund pleasurable getaways.

So if you’re short on cash to spend seven days on a cruise in the Bahamas this summer, you may want to concentrate on how to make the most out of your summer break. Whether you choose to work a summer job, volunteer at events hosted in your town or take some extra classes to complete your degree, you can spend your summer break constructively.

One of the most common ways college students spend their summer break is by working to earn money. Although this alternative may appear tedious and boring to some, it actually isn’t such a terrible idea. Tuition and rent fees can be expensive during the school year, so why not save money ahead of time? Working to save money can help students feel less stressed during the school year.

Senior Brie Klender says she spends her summer break working at a daycare in her hometown. Klender explains, “Summer is a great time for me to work and save money for school. This summer is especially important because I’ll be graduating and need the extra money.” Klender also says working during the summer is beneficial for undergrads because it allows them to build their professional resume. “Getting experience at the daycare helps prepare me for a career working with children,” Klender says.

I also agree that summer break is a great time to build one’s resume with relevant experience. In addition to working my summer job, I volunteer at my hometown church as a Vacation Bible School teacher. Since I am studying to become a middle school teacher, I really enjoy working with fourth grade students in the program. Vacation Bible School gives me the opportunity to take a leadership role, plan lessons and practice effective classroom management strategies. I recommend that fellow education majors look into participating in similar programs this summer. Other related volunteer and work activities can include being a camp counselor, working at a daycare or tutoring.

Another great way for college students to take advantage of summer break is by taking summer classes. Although this option may not be the most attractive choice, summer classes can actually be very helpful. They are usually more accelerated, last for a few weeks and can help you graduate faster. If you’re concerned about money and convenience, many local and community colleges offer classes that can be transferred for university credit. Senior Eleah Brewer notes, ” I attended Owens Community College for summer courses that were confirmed by my advisor to transfer. The classes were much cheaper but the credits for the course only transfer if you receive a C or better.” She also advises that if one is just looking to save money and “get a class out of the way with credits, taking it at a junior college is probably the best thing.”

Personally, I’ve always had good experiences with taking summer classes that count toward my major. The key to success is making sure that credits from a different college will transfer to BGSU. One good way to do this is by visiting the Transfer Evaluation Office located in the Administration Building. Another option is to go online to www.transfer.org.

What I have found to be most beneficial about summer classes is how it has helped shortened my four and a half year program down to four years. This advantage has helped me save money from paying tuition and rent for an additional semester.

No matter what your plan is this summer, it is important to keep in mind that in order to perform proficiently, rest and relaxation is essential. How can one possibly do well earning money, credits and experience during the summer without being able to recharge after a busy year at school? Even if relaxation involves something simple like watching television or going out with friends, make sure you take some leisure time for yourself. After all, that’s what summer break should be all about, right?

Send comments to Michelle Dominick at [email protected].