Four weeks into break, nearly all UCLA students are in the swing of things for the summer. Internships, travels, summer school and test prep classes remain popular choices for how to best spend the summer days. In addition to these activities, most everyone has made personal goals for this time.
During crunch time at the end of last quarter, I found myself frequently fantasizing about all the things the freedom of summer would allow. Gaining real world statistical experience, reading for fun, learning Spanish at my own pace and spending time with family were all personal objectives.
Looking at these goals a month later, I realize that I have totally failed on nearly all of these aspirations. But I have also discovered that failed summer ambitions don’t necessarily detract from my summer experience.
This is because my priorities come straight from my values. While I once thought that completing a large summer reading list was extremely important to me, a look at my daily agenda demonstrates that family time is my number one priority.
Very little of this is out of pressure or circumstance ““ I actually feel more accomplished if I spend the entire afternoon playing tennis and swimming with my little brother than I would if I were working as a financial planning intern or memorizing Spanish flash cards.
This concern vastly differs from most other incoming seniors, as nearly all of my friends are spending the summer in Westwood.
Nick DeMarais, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student, said it was crucial that he found a summer internship. “I knew an internship provides experience I wouldn’t get before graduation and that it would help me figure out what I like and what I don’t like,” DeMarais said.
But working full time involves much sacrifice, with a huge proportion of your day dedicated to commuting and working, leaving less time for family and friends.
“It’s shocking to work an 8-to-5 job every day, every week, all summer long. It’s far more tiring than school,” DeMarais added.
Some students strategically calculate their summer plans so they can spend quality time with family and further their career reach.
Stephanie Liu, a fourth-year microbiology student, is living with her sister in Boston over the summer while she interns at a local hospital.
“I knew I wouldn’t be able to see my sister as much after she gets married, so I chose to intern here where I can live with her and simultaneously garner a better understanding of the health care industry.”
While this type of summer schedule appeals to some students, I’ve committed myself to avoid landing a legit full-time job until at least after graduation. I recognize where my priorities lie, and greatly appreciate my opportunity to be unemployed.
This summer, I’m consciously allowing my career (and other educational ambitions) to take a back seat, believing that my limited time is better spent with family and friends.
And this brings me back to my point: Who cares? In my third summer after college, I still knowingly let family and friends take precedence over my summer goals and career aspirations.
And it feels great. This is my last summer to kick back by the pool, longboard to the tennis courts, road trip to Seattle and scoff at the stresses of adulthood.
If you’re ready to spend the summer kicking back, then e-mail Pearring at spearring@media.ucla.edu.