It would be your first summer away from the university, which you've been dreaming last winter. You've been thinking of the long hours during those muggy days. You could oversleep, not minding your mother's reaction (or complains). You might turn into a couch potato until you become aware of your addiction to Netflix during the last few months. You don't mind sitting in the couch for hours, not thinking of what to do next. All of these things happened during the first two weeks of summer. And then the awful truth would hit you hard. The coursework have turned you into a restless teen.
You're not thinking of the upcoming term, your second year in the university. You're looking forward to the near future. You can't slow down.
You don't see yourself in your roommate, who had embarked on a backpacking trip. You wish you could be bold enough to do hardcore backpacking, performing for an extra night at a hostel. You haven't been bitten by the travel bug. Yet. You rather be near home. You have been diligent in your research of your options during summer. You found out that the opportunities should brighten your career prospects. You're not thinking of outright success, where someone might make an offer that you couldn't resist at all. You may be a bit idealistic to think that money wouldn't be that important at this stage, but you wouldn't ignore your CV. There are cheap, if not charitable, ways of spending the summer. It should be a good excuse for not doing the household chores that your mother is asking you to.
What Can You Get From the Following
Teaching. You're not thinking of an academic career, but this option is not what you suspect at first. This experience will help you improve your communication. It should overcome your reservations, which you need to do before attending career fairs. You could meet interesting people, who might collaborate (or help) you in your quest for career fulfillment. This might not be your immediate goal, though. Some teaching opportunities may offer a modest salary. You won't get into a conflicting situation, as money can be used for your expenses during the next school year. It might also include traveling expenses. In other words, you don't have to shoulder your own expenses.
Reading. Your first year has helped you rediscover the joy of (hours of) reading. There won't be any pressure on a time limit, which should give your cue. If teaching doesn't motivate you at all, then you might have to turn your attention somewhere. This could help you do better on Reading Week. Don't be obsessed about the possible titles that you must read next term. You're relishing your break. You're discovering your passion on reading, which should keep your laidback attitude during the stressful moments of the (next) term.
Farming. If you've been living in the county most of your life, then you should be excited about the summer. You were unaware about the virtues of fruit picking (until your return). You won't attempt to channel your inner E.B. White (and pen a bittersweet children's book), as the seeming simplicity (of your hometown) could steer you (and the rest of your coursemates) to the right direction.
Volunteering for an art festival. You're wishing for complimentary tickets, which should make other students envious of your journey. It's not what your parents are thinking, as indulging in creativity would help you become aware of your communication skills (or the lack of) You want more recruiters to believe in your potential, and becoming a volunteer would be a huge step to that direction. Some students might be thinking along that line. It should be a great way to get together if you've been missing each other.
Jailbreaking. It's not an appreciation of one of Elvis Presley's hits (as your mother would think), but you've heard it from your roommate. Traveling far away from home, with little (or no) money at all, seems to be the ultimate teenage dream. It could also be the most exciting thing to do, as it would happen in your own turf. (Language barrier could burst your balloon.) You're also not worried of any trouble that might arise from it. (You parents are a call away.) You might be afflicted with wanderlust after this experience.
A Summer to Remember
You are expecting some goals at the end of the season. You must not have high expectations, though. Try to show patience, as most of the people that you meet here would be on a learning curve. There are other options (aside from what you've here). For instance, restaurant inspecting could be an enviable job if you fancy the finest cuisine. Don't get carried away. (You might be slightly overweight when the next term will start all over again.) Your creativity and foresight must enable you to narrow down your choices. If not one of those options would make you enjoy the summer, then think of what you could gain from it. Success comes in many forms.
