By Cheryl Mattox Berry
Summer vacation is right around the corner. Do you have a summer plan? If you’re not working, attending summer school or traveling, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll spend the next three months.
For the first couple of weeks, you’ll probably want to stay up late and sleep in. Then, you should do something constructive. Here are a few ideas:
Learn how to cook. My mother always said, “If you can read, you can cook.” What are your favorite dishes or what would you like to try? If your mom doesn’t have a cookbook, go online and find recipes. Surprise your family by preparing dinner one night. Mom will love that.
Take music lessons. What better time to learn how to play guitar or piano. No pressure, no recitals and no practice if you don’t feel like it. Sheer fun.
Immerse yourself in a language. You know how to conjugate verbs and say the basics, but can you carry on a conversation with someone you just met? Find a place where your foreign language is spoken and practice with strangers. You’ll not only perfect the language but also meet new people.
Write for a community newspaper or start a blog. If you want to be a writer, take a class and start writing. It’s simple as that. Think of a topic that isn’t being covered and pitch the idea to the editor of your local newspaper. Whatever your passion, start a blog about it or contribute to one that exists.
Be a missionary in your city. No need to travel abroad for charitable work. Charity begins at home, and there are plenty of places to do good work, including the homeless shelter, Habitat for Humanity, thrift stores run by nonprofit organizations and food banks. You should be able to get volunteer credit for graduation requirements.
Churches, synagogues and community colleges offer a variety of classes and programs. Check out the summer schedule and see if there’s one that interests you.