As graduation approaches, many seniors are looking forward to summer break, but this summer feels different than the rest because it is the last one before college begins. Instead of just relaxing, many seniors are considering how to spend their time meaningfully before starting a new chapter in their lives.
For some students, summer is a chance to rest after a busy senior year while also preparing for future goals. Matthew Bui, who will attend the University of Georgia in the fall, shared that taking a well-needed break is always an important factor that people forget.
“I want to enjoy my summer and spend time with my family. I won’t have as much time as before,” he said. At the same time, he is already thinking about his academic future. “I plan to study biology textbooks over the summer so I can prepare for my classes,” Matthew explained.
He is also gaining experience before college begins. “I am going to intern at local labs so I can gain a better understanding of science,” he added.
Other seniors are focusing more on building independence and discipline before college. Neko Anderson, who plans to attend Georgia State University, said that summer is a good time to prepare both physically and mentally.
“I want to train physically by running four miles every day and mentally by reading military books for the requirements of Air Force ROTC at GSU,” he said.
He believes this kind of preparation will help him adjust more easily. “If I’m able to do stuff ahead of time, then I think college will be less stressful for me,” Neko explained. He also shared that this summer is a time to take responsibility for his personal growth. “This is my chance to become more disciplined and prepare accordingly instead of procrastinating,” he added.
Many students also see summer as a chance to grow personally before entering a new environment. Matthew shared that he wants to step outside of his comfort zone. “I want to try new things this summer and meet new people, so I feel more confident when I go to college,” he said. Neko agreed, saying that preparing now can make a big difference later.
“If you challenge yourself before college starts, you will feel more confident when you get there, which is also my plan,” he said.
While every student has a different plan, most seniors agree that the best one is to find a balance between rest and work. Summer can be a time to relax, but it can also be a time to build habits that will help in the future. Whether it is spending time with family, preparing for academics, or building themselves up, the choices seniors make now can shape how ready they feel when college begins.
