As we say goodbye to March and greet the warmth of April, Summer is just around the corner. It may not be your favorite season, but I think I speak for most students when I say the arrival of Summer is something we all look forward to. Sunny skies and no school—what could be better?
Unfortunately, the looming cloud over the prospect of Summer that is exam season has a way of extinguishing excitement. Which is why I want to encourage everyone to find ways to keep themselves pumped for Summer and not let exams ruin the end of your school year.
Find a new recipe
One of my favorite things to do during Summer is take advantage of the extra time I have to try out new recipes. There’s nothing better than making a refreshing meal after spending the day out in the sun. Some of my personal favorites include fruit smoothies, chicken caesar wraps, and cucumber salad. Who knows? You might pick up a cookbook on a boring Summer day and discover a lifelong passion.
Craft a Summer playlist
If you aren’t spending hours creating the perfect Summer playlist, what are you even doing? I firmly believe that the music you listen to makes the atmosphere of whatever chapter of life you’re in.
I vividly remember the Summer of 2023 because several of my favorite albums came out in May and June, and they were the soundtrack for the rest of my Summer. A couple classic Summer songs everyone should enjoy throughout the season include:
- T-Shirt Weather – Circa Waves
- Strawberry Swing – Coldplay
- Heat Waves – Glass Animals
- Lucky Strike – Troye Sivan
Stock up your wardrobe
One great way to get excited for Summer before it’s arrival is to prepare your wardrobe for the sun and heat that lie ahead. Especially down here in Georgia, we know the heat and humidity are borderline oppressive—stocking up your closet with new shorts, tank tops, and a couple new bathing suits will help you survive the heat without having to scrap together outfits from the depths of your drawers.
Also, looking nice and put together is a major confidence booster. Everyone deserves to feel good in their own skin during the best time of year; don’t doubt it, buy the sundress, buy the swim shorts!
Pick up a new hobby
Some people dislike Summer because they think it gives them too much free time. Personally, I don’t think too much free time could ever be a bad thing—but that’s because I’ve picked up several ways to fill my time over the years. Most Summers, I feel like I needed even more time to do everything I wanted.
A hobby can be something as simple as going on a walk everyday or coloring, or something more complicated like learning a new language or building a piece of furniture. I spend most of my time getting lost in books, which is a hobby that I think everyone should have. But maybe this Summer, I’ll take on a bigger challenge. I encourage you to do the same!
Make a bucket list
Making a bucket list is a classic Summer activity. So classic and traditional, that some people forget it’s even a real option. But I’m here to establish that bucket lists are totally back in for 2025. I challenge everyone reading this to make the craziest bucket lists they can think of this Summer—put yourself out there and discover all the possibilities.
Making a physical list and decorating it can even be a fun project. Glitter, buttons, ribbons…all the works. Think “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer!”
Whatever you decide to do this Summer, make it memorable. Maybe you’re a freshman or a sophomore, just starting to get a taste of the freedom that comes with being in high school. To you, I say: every Summer should be treated like it’s your last—because one day you’ll blink, and it will be.
If you’re like me, getting ready to go off to college, take advantage of these last couple months of being a kid. I already miss the Summers of my childhood, spending entire days swimming and playing tirelessly. I plan to make this last one before college count, and you should too.
