Windows rolled down, friends in the back seat and stereo blasting “Summertime” by Sublime is the epitome of the last day of school for me. It marks the beginning of the most nostalgic time of the year: summer. This special season, for our entire lives, has been characterized by the end of responsibility and the beginning of freedom. Now, as college students, we are faced with the daunting reality that this precious spell of pool parties and backyard barbecues will soon be taken away from us forever. Instead of letting this depressing reality spoil the sunny season, students should seize the precious free moments of irresponsibility they have left.
Even though our summers will disappear after graduation, many students make extensive summer plans. They feel pressure to secure prestigious internships, work at a high-paying job to save money, or take a graduate school exam preparation class. These opportunities, while advantageous to a resume, suck the freedom out of summer. No spontaneous trips to 7-Eleven at 3 a.m. or nights where irresponsibility leads to bad decision making. All that’s left is a monotonous 40-hour work week. The summer that was supposed to provide a break from stress turns into the most stressful time of the year.
This simulation of post-graduation life is completely counterproductive and should be avoided even if you already have a busy summer planned. Making time for outdoor concerts, impulsive trips to late-night eats with friends and road-trip weekends would help fulfill a typical summer to-do list, and those times will be the memories from your youth you cherish. As college students, we aren’t getting any younger.
It is not to say we will not still vacation or enjoy time with friends once we have graduated. But once we settle into a career path, we won’t have such a large gap of time where it is socially acceptable to pursue more leisurely interests. Finally starting in on that novel you’ve been looking forward to, learning how to surf for the first time, or mastering guitar are all worthwhile ways to spend the extra time that summer provides. You have the time to devote to a new hobby or area of interest that you would otherwise put off. These interests are key to keeping your stress level low for the next school year. Even if you have already committed to a full-time job this summer, using the little free time you have to enjoy something will be refreshing.
Summer is also a great time to devote your energy to a worthwhile cause. UCLA provides many opportunities for students to lend a hand to the community during the summer. UCLA UniCamp and Camp Kesem are just two opportunities that some students have chosen to get involved with so that they can give back this summer. UniCamp sponsors week-long leadership retreats for students from low-income areas, while Camp Kesem is a place for children of parents who have suffered from cancer.
“I really think we can make a difference ““ impacting the youth is really important. Today’s camper, tomorrow’s volunteer,” said fourth-year political science student Jen Deangelis, who is a counselor with UniCamp this summer.
Even though students feel the pressure of the job market, they should still take time to relish in what is left of their summer. Compiling work experience that will make a competitive resume can only bring you so much fulfillment. Students should try to spend their summer enjoying the other sides of life that won’t get much attention after they settle into a full-time job.
If you are ready to soak up summer, then e-mail Mier at smier@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.