“What are you doing this summer?”
I’ve heard this question asked it plenty as our spring semester heads toward a close. And I’m glad to finally say that one, magical word in response: “Nothing.”
I’ve always been a busybody. In high school, I spent my days racking up the AP credits to the point that I shaved off an entire year for my college career. I’ve held four different jobs since I was 16. In between that, I’ve been joining clubs and volunteering for causes since my first 4-H Club meeting in ?fifth grade.
And I’m glad to say I will now be taking a summer off. I’m not going to run off and get a job, and I’m not going to sign up for any more classes. This summer, I’m going to take the time to do what I want and work on me.
I don’t mean to imply that I’m wasting my summer away to be lazy. A girl with my complexion can’t really spend that many hours by the poolside in the summer sun without turning lobster red.
And I’m fortunate enough to not have to work, even though that’s not the case for many students — I recognize that privilege. I’ve saved up enough money from my current job to live comfortably through the summer.
But I think I’ve earned a break. Back-to-back semesters of 18 credit hours will do that to a person.
Listen up, Hoosiers. There’s nothing wrong with taking your time and slowing down when you need it. If you don’t, you could ?potentially burn out.
Last summer, I spent my days helping my family with home renovations, working a full-time job and taking online classes at my community college to further my progress here at IU.
I spent so much time going, going, going that I didn’t get to enjoy the things I love.
I probably read a total of 10 books, which for a book nerd like me is way under par for a three-month timespan.
I had promised to see more of a best friend from high school and ended up visiting her once.
And my creative writing, something I always say I’ll tackle during a break, was left to shrivel up like a grape in the blazing sun.
Sure, my anxiety has begun to creep in, and I worry about not having an internship. I’m concerned my parents will eventually come to hate that I didn’t nab a job, though they’ve all begged me to slow down. And there’s nothing worse than having a boring summer full of ?bad TV.
But I’m going to spend my time wisely. For the first time in a long time, I’m going to read from a list that doesn’t come off a syllabus. I want to learn to cook more meals for my family because my current skills only extend to pasta, brownies and breakfast food. I’ll go to the beach or a concert and have a ball with people I haven’t seen ?in forever.
And finally, I’m going to focus my attention on my writing, which has suffered the most from my ?busy schedule.
No matter what your plans are for this summer, don’t feel ashamed. Whether you’re paving your own way at an internship, staying in Bloomington to finish some courses or lying out with a nice pitcher of sweet tea, you can have fun and make progress. Enjoy your time off, or your time working. See you next August. HAGS.
maehogan@indiana.edu
