In the summer, teenagers tend to focus more on having fun with friends and family and ignore opportunities they might have to prepare for the upcoming school year. Some high schoolers have homework to do over the summer, and many high school graduates need to prepare for college.

  There are many ways to stay focused during the break, and the first is to prioritize. Of course, over the summer time teens can relax and have fun for a few months. However, they should not forget about their responsibilities for the upcoming school year. Prioritizing and managing time wisely will help to ensure that any summer assignments or obligations get done as early as possible. Starting the summer off by getting any homework done and taking care of school shopping will prevent less stress as the summer comes to an end and allows for more time to do things unrelated to school. Going shopping for supplies and clothes for the new year are very important as well. Getting anything related to school out of the way earlier into the summer takes away the stress of wondering when it is finally going to get done.

  In addition to typical homework, the summer is a great time to complete community service and work on group projects. Not only can this be a fun way to occupy your time, it helps out locally. There are many different ways to get involved in the Raleigh area. Some good volunteering opportunities would be working at the local ASPCA or Interfaith Food Shuttle during free time. There are also many soup kitchens that aid the homeless, scattered around the triangle area. Community service is a great way to add to your resume, meet new people and do something good for local neighborhoods. Visit the Activate Good website to find more opportunities in your area.

 For seniors going into college, the transition into the next year might not be as simple. Many new college students live in dorms. Living in the dorms require tons of shopping and planning to make sure students have everything they need. This on its own can be stressful. Over the summer, students have to attend orientations to learn about their school and take tours to get to know the campus better. Senior Harley Powell said, “The biggest thing about getting ready for college is going to orientation and choosing the right classes for the coming year.” Choosing majors and classes can also be a concern for new college students as well. One of the best ways to prepare for college is to get connected with students who already go there and friends who are also going to that specific school. Talking to older students and asking questions can help to make the overall experience less intimidating and more comforting. Getting information from the school faculty also can shed more light on the school’s dynamic and how things go. When preparing for the next year of highschool/college, it is very important to keep your eyes on the prize, which is your future!