The Observer, April 20, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 25
A Fresh Perspective: Maximize summer vacation time:plan a trip, relax with friends
As I'm sure you all know, the semester is winding down. Suddenly, every class has a paper due or perhaps one of those sneaky exams the week before finals start. Stress abounds from every angle, and if you're not careful it could slowly drive you crazy.
But it will all soon be over. Finals will be done before we know it, and then we students, freshmen especially, are faced with a new prospect: summer vacation. An awkward juxtaposition, to say the least. We return home for three months, separated from the new life that we have created for ourselves – a life of new friends, handy dorm recipes, late night study parties, and independence. Back to the old ways for a while, it seems.
How does one begin to cope with balancing these two lives, these two halves of one whole? I don't know about you, but I am definitely going to have a hard time with it. Not that I don't want to go home – I'm actually quite excited to see all my old friends that I have missed throughout the school year – but I am just a little reluctant to leave behind this year, this incredible period of growth, change, and fun.
First, keep yourself busy over the summer. If you'll be on Case's campus taking classes or working, don't let yourself sit in your room, forlornly missing all your friends. Get out and make new ones. If you're going home, make tons of time to hang out with your hometown buds. Keep busy with a job to pocket some money for next year. If you let yourself slack off and just mope and groan about being home, this summer is going to be the longest one of your life. Enjoy your class-free time.
Also, plan trips to see people. What is more fun than taking a road trip to a friend's house a couple hours away with some of your home friends, or maybe another Case friend who lives close? That's what I thought. I already have trips planned for this summer, and they're going to break up the monotony of my summer job very nicely, while allowing me to see my friends at the same time. It's the same principle as above: If you miss someone, get off your lazy butt and go see them. Summer may be a time of winding down, but if you let yourself go too much, you're not going to be able to get back in the swing of things for next year.
Summer is only going to be a difficult time if you make it one. Some people are phenomenally excited to go home and get away from Case, while some people (like me) have mixed feelings about the entire affair. But since I am taking steps to make my summer the best it can possibly be, I am actually excited for the prospects it will bring. The best advice that I can give all of you is to do the same. I wish everyone a great end of the semester, good luck on finals, and a phenomenal summer. See you all next year.
Hershberger is a freshman Communication Sciences major involved with University Singers and Marching Band.
