Futile Summers?

The summer is upon us which means the most amazing long break from revising, exams and unnaturally early mornings. While Netflix and chill-ing in the sun sound rather appealing let us take a moment to appreciate the amount of time you have over the next few months of summer. It’s easy to look at this time as just a few weeks or a few months but this is also more than 1,000 hours. That’s over 1,000 hours of your time that you can choose how to fill. You have the choice to inspire and be inspired. Make this summer count and here are a few ideas on exactly how you can do that:

• Release your inner bi-lingual: So many apps and websites dedicated to languages are available if you really want to learn. Just start with the basics and then maybe try using google translate for the words and phrases you commonly use. Don’t get me wrong, it is unlikely that you will sound like a native by the end of the summer, but if you do it right you might actually be able to hold a simple conversation in your newly learnt language.
• Work, work, work, work, work, work: There are two ways of doing this, either get a summer job in any industry you want; or have a go at trying to get some work experience in an industry you might actually want to work in. Both can be extremely beneficial; a summer job will help you earn some money for all your summer activities or even help you save up for next year. Work experience allows you to explore an industry you’ve been interested in from the inside. Either way, you’re building up your C.V and putting yourself in a better position for the future.
• Up the Netflix: Before you use this as an excuse to binge watch the new season of OITNB (If you haven’t already) just read a little further. Netflix actually has a pretty impressive library or TED talks and documentaries. I will tell you this now- the Kardashians are doing nothing for you so why not learn something or become inspired by those who have the skills and knowledge to share.
• Take on Gordon Ramsay: This one is more of a life skill as opposed to an academic one. It is surprising how many people cannot cook and trust me you will actually have to feed yourself someday so why not start practicing. Pinterest is a good place to start as they have thousands upon thousands of simple recipes to get you going, it is also really easy to save the ones that catch your eye so you can come back to them when you’re ready. However, (especially if you are dealing with meat) have someone who knows what they are doing supervise your first few dishes as salmonella isn’t exactly known for bringing joy.
• Become one with your computer: This one involves learning something that is quite intricate but could be surprisingly useful. Teach yourself to code. Try website design or programming. In today’s age we practically eat, sleep and breath technology; getting yourself familiar with the online world will always work in your favour. It won’t be easy but there are people who make very successful businesses out of doing this for other people- learning to do it for yourself could not only save you money in the future, but if you stick with it could end up earning you money.

By no means is this list exhaustive but it is a good place to start. It is your choice how your summer is spent but just remember that you will not always have such long breaks. This is the time to explore, discover and achieve as your academics alone will not be enough to carry you through life. Whether you choose to be proactive this summer or are still drawn in by the temptation of endless sleep just keep in mind that ‘Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.’ – Robert Collier

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This post was written by No.1 Tutors