As many students end their school year and progress into the two months of summer break, a noticeable amount head into summer courses to prepare themselves for the next year. Many wonder why they have to attend these classes, and end up hating every second that they are there. So why pressure students into attending these rigorous courses that they end up despising? Students should be able to pass their time over summer exploring their passions and interests, not spend 8 hours every day studying subjects they have no interest in. Students tend to fail in retaining information in these types of classes, so in most cases, it ends up useless. Students dozing off in class or not being attentive is prevalent all throughout these programs forced upon them, and in the end, it was a waste of time and money. If more time was allocated into finding a new hobby, interest, or developing a new skill, the student would be in a much better position.
Many students throughout their high school career are oblivious to the major they wish to seek. If this is true, they should step foot in a multitude of subjects over the summer and attend courses they truly find interest in. Time could be spent learning how to program, writing a blog or a book, or starting a small business. Even though these projects may seem like there is no benefit towards college (since that is what everyone is so focused on), it gathers experience and decides whether a certain skill matches their personality. Writing a blog or starting a small business may take a lot of effort, and it will be slow when first started, but students can find passion in these possible career paths and be a step above their peers.
Reading books can also help a student retain a healthier mindset toward the next school year. If one studies the hardest they can, but their mental health deteriorates, it does the student much more harm than good. A student should know their capabilities and tipping point, and not overwork themselves to the point of mental breakdowns. Reading growth and mindset books can greatly benefit on how one sees the world, and help decide what they decide is truly important in their lives. Many top scoring students focus much too heavily solely on their grades, and lack passion in other areas that could develop them as a person. Reading 3-4 books a month over the summer is manageable, and this could drastically improve the student’s lifestyle.
Summer is an important time for students to develop themselves both as a person and a student. By no means should a student avoid all academics, but I feel it should not be forced upon them. However, it should not be a time for them to avoid productivity. Summer is a time where students can thrive or diminish, and the results show sooner or later.
