Expand Your Horizons This Summer Santa Fe NM

Expand Your Horizons This Summer

By Peter Van Buskirk

Soon, you’re going to wake up and realize that for the first time in recent memory you don’t have to go to school! No panicked rushes to catch a ride. No more worrying about whether you’re ready for the Bio test in third period or your group presentation for World Lit. It will be summertime, which means no more lectures, no more bells, and no more structure!

Days of luxury will follow as you finally get the chance to sleep in, hang with friends, go to the pool, play X-Box, or all of the above. But beware! While you definitely deserve a break, a complete mental and intellectual “shutdown” can lead to the dreaded condition known as “atrophy of the brain.”

That’s right. It would be down right unhealthy to abandon matters of the mind completely.

Whatever you do, don’t panic. There are simple steps you can take to prevent this from happening to you! Before summer starts — and your motivation disappears — think about what you can do to expand your horizons. Trust us, it’ll be good for you and it doesn’t have to be boring. Read a book, climb a mountain, explore another culture, or experience the satisfaction of helping others. Not only will you enjoy challenging yourself, you’ll broaden your perspective and grow as a person.

Plus, colleges are watching to see what you do when you don’t have to do anything.

Whatever you choose, keep one thing in mind...have fun!

Peter Van Buskirk is a former Dean of Admissi...

Author: Amy Ambler

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