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Explore, experiment and discover
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THE pen is put down, a satisfying breath is taken, a smile develops, and the body becomes light. The final exam has finished and a long, hot summer stretches before the student. Most of us have been at that point, and I think it’s important to recall how good it felt. Now, we, as adults and parents, must try to fill that summer with “meaningful” activities for our children to do.
How then, should summer be filled in a way that not only prepares children for the future, but also provides breathing space after exams? First and foremost, students do need a break, so make sure they are given some critical time to recharge. They will be preparing for university in the following years and it will be the most academically demanding time of their young lives, so it’s fine to let them have some breathing space to relax and discover themselves without too much pressure.
In essence, it’s useful to see summer as an open opportunity for exploration and experimentation; it’s a chance for children to try new things or to develop skills that can inform future choices. Activities can range from academic experiences, such as university summer programs, to visiting galleries and museums, to gaining some work experience in fields of interest.
Many universities offer summer programs for students in a wide range of courses, from creative writing, to math and science courses, and many more. These can be highly competitive but they are well run and they provide a useful taste of university life.
Finding a summer job has multiple benefits: earning a salary, gaining work experience, and learning skills that are applicable for life. Doing this in a field in which the student has career aspirations can be exceptionally rewarding and fruitful. A former student of mine spent her summer helping out in a university research laboratory, which made her (successful) application to Imperial College London truly stand out. Another student who helped out backstage in a local theater now operates stage areas on Broadway. Both of these students picked summer jobs that linked to their interests and hobbies. Conversely, these opportunities can reveal what students don’t want to do. My own summer at a legal firm many years ago convinced me that my future lay far away from law.
Most importantly, is finding some time to enjoy together, before they “leave the nest.” Spending time with your child to find opportunities that connect to their interests and enthusiasm may provide a deeply enriching summer, and will still allow for plenty of fun. Happy holidays.
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