Switched-On Magazine

By Allyson, a high school senior
June 30, 2008

So you're free, for at least 1-3 months (depending on whether you have a regular school year or a year-long school year), from that thing you call School. Now that you're free from teachers, homework (unless you have certain classes), bad cafeteria lunches, you might be left with absolutely nothing to do.

There might be some things you can do to help get out of that bored phase of summer after coming back from a fun trip or camp (if you went on one, lucky you).

1. Start a summer project. Maybe there's been something you've been meaning to make or build (like a dog house for your neighbor's pet) that you didn't have time for during the school year. Or perhaps you want to get more fit; summer might be the best time to exercise because you have more time. Try running on a beach sidewalk, biking on a trail, or hiking and keeping track of how much you exercise over the summer break.

You could even start a creative project, like writing a story (a novel, even), or making a movie with your friends...or performing for a block party in your neighborhood.

2. Read a book. Cliched? Yes, but it's still something to consider doing if you're bored out of your mind during the break (or you've miraculously finished reading the novels from your literature class' book list). If you tend to stick to one author or genre, maybe it's time to delve into new genres or read another author from the same genre. No idea what to read? The friendly (or maybe not) librarian at your local library can recommend books. And besides, you don't have to be cooped up inside your room to read books. You can always go to a park or the beach and read under a shade...

3. Help around the community/volunteer or get a job. Besides getting a warm feeling inside that you've done something to help the community (or maybe you're just sweating profusely), you get experience working with people that might be different from you or you might have the opportunity to work on something you've never done before. Some schools require that you do community service; instead of taking care of those requirements during the school year, the summer break might be the best time to do that.

If you volunteer or work in a field or subject that you're interested in, that might be a good chance to get a peak into what a career or job in that field might be like.

4. Explore a new hobby. Ever wanted to make pottery or learn how to make something else cool, or begin another new hobby? You can find classes or books to teach you how to start a new hobby. It's fun and can get you out of boredom in no time.