As the months pass day by day, we are getting closer to summer. Students start counting the days left of school along with planning out their summer activities. They spend months preparing for the arrival of summer, fantasizing about the perfect tan or the possible pool parties. Next thing you know summer is over and you have nothing to account for it. Summer might have been so full of activities that you cannot even remember what you did or you could have been so focused on future activities that you forgot to live in the moment. Every student has a different definition of a meaningful summer. Some might want to spend time with loved ones, work as much as they can, or focus on preparing for the future.
We often tend to think experiencing unforgettable memories means participating in constant thrills. You can have amazing memories in a safe way, always think about your safety along with those around you.
During the summertime people may avoid coming to town due to how busy it can get; but for those who have the goal of earning as much money as they can downtown Leavenworth is the perfect opportunity for that. As many CHS students know, as summer approaches more job opportunities come up. Teenagers often do not know how to manage their money; they struggle to save up and not spend money on unnecessary things. For this summer you need to learn how to budget and save up as much as you can; only spend money when you really need to. Along with learning how to save up, you will also learn how to become more responsible, making sure you are being productive when it comes to working. Living skills teacher Carl Haberberger gives students financial advice: "A budget is nice to have some sort of plan with your money, it is really easy to just spend all your money. If you do not care about money and do not think it is important, then you will not have much money. Having that mindset you want to save for the future, you must be disciplined with it.”
Saving up is not all about physical actions, you must be willing to change your mind set about money. You have to grow a great appreciation for money and create desire to save money. Reading books on how to get financially successful is a great first step to start building towards your goal. Creating a vision board is another strategy that helps you look forward to what you can accomplish.
For those who want to focus on having a great upcoming school year, it is a good idea to think about what you want the new school year to look like. Juniors should consider what they want to do for their senior year, making sure they have all the requirements they need. Along with thinking about what they want to do after high school, applying for financial aid and keeping track of any scholarships is very important. Keep in mind any standardized test you might need to take for college admissions. With the long time off, visiting colleges in the area is something juniors might be doing any chance they get. It is important to look for a college that fits your standards and find an environment that suits you.
Counselor Ms. Schafer gives advice on senior year plans: “It is important that you start thinking about where you want to go to college, and taking classes that are going to support whatever your goals are and what you want to do in the future. So, taking college in the high school classes is something that will help them for post high school plans.” Having a list dedicated to what you still need to accomplish as a senior to get to your goal would be helpful. It is also a good idea to create a calendar with any important deadlines for scholarships, or other important events. Another thing that might be important to keep in mind is your college essay, brainstorming ideas or if possible starting drafts.
As we all know summer is not all about working and planning the future, most of the time summer is for memories and spending time with others. Some might be focused on that because a couple of years back we were not able to be around those we love due to the pandemic. Many have learned how important it is to appreciate the time around your loved ones, creating unforgettable memories, and living in the moment. Summer is the perfect time for this, our long winters often make us appreciate the sun we get in the summer months.
We often tend to think experiencing unforgettable memories means participating in constant thrills. You can have amazing memories in a safe way, always think about your safety along with those around you. One thing we do not do enough is put electronics away and soak in the moment. Electronics will always be there, but there are moments when we will not be able to replay as much as we wish we could.
Chris Cacho (11) tells us about how he is going to have a meaningful summer: “I am going to start the summer off by going to Mexico to spend quality time with family I hardly see. I plan to do a lot of activities that I cannot do here. While I am in town, I will be spending time with people I care about, I want to go on hikes, play soccer, work out, and my biggest thing is experiencing new things.”
As we all have different plans for the summer, we will all adjust them to create our most memorable summer. If that includes staying productive or just having fun in the sun.