“You can steer yourself any direction you choose,” according to Dr. Seuss. The problem, for many students, is that they have no idea how to set themselves on course. Fortunately, the summer will soon be here and freedom from an academic schedule provides the perfect opportunity for students to immerse themselves in some area of passion that may ultimately steer them towards their ideal career.
No student is too young to pursue an area of interest. I recall having a love for writing as far back as the first grade, and I often wrote to my favorite authors and other people of interest. I even wrote to President John F. Kennedy to let him know that I was going to have my tonsils removed. (I thought he would want to know and, yes, I did receive a “get well” card from the White House!)
Many students have a passion for writing. As I have mentioned previously in this column, since I find it so impressive, students can write their own book on any topic and have it published at a cost of $10 (for an ISBN number) through Amazon’s “CreateSpace” site. Amazon then sells the book, sending royalty checks to the author for all purchases. Becoming a published author is an impressive use of one’s summer vacation!
Reading is another productive use of time and students are often asked, on college application essays and in admission interviews, to discuss their favorite books. Amazon is a great asset here too as it publishes a highly-regarded list of “100 Books To Read in a Lifetime.” Students would do well to start working through the list which includes some teen favorites: The Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, Fahrenheit 451, and Catch-22.
Students with an athletic bent may choose to delve into a new sport, perhaps focusing on a less popular one that may someday lead to a college scholarship. Boys might consider men’s fencing, gymnastics or ice hockey while girls might look to fencing, golf, ice hockey, or synchronized ice skating or swimming.
Students can also do volunteer work or shadow a professional in an area of interest, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy, to experience the day-to-day life in the field. Colleges value students who are intellectually curious and have stepped outside the box to identify their areas of talent and passion.
The opportunities are limitless, but students should make their plans soon before the summer 2018 is a fond memory.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of SAT Smart in Hillsborough that has been offering PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation courses, as well as private tutoring by Ivy League educated instructors, for more than 25 years. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362
