Written by: Cosme Lozano

When you think of summer, its often beaches, BBQ, and summer nights you think of. I’m here to tell you that there is one other thing that the summer provides. The summer provides you the perfect opportunity to work on yourself and really hone your skills. I got some tips today that will help you stay on your A-game throughout the summer!

Tip 1: Volunteer

I know that when it comes time for summer, most people just want to rest and relax and rightfully so. After all, you’re coming off a nine month school year. I’m here to tell you though that there is still work to be done. Volunteer work is the work that you aren’t required to do, but it is the work that helps take you to the next level. Volunteer work can help develop your skills in a multitude of ways. You might volunteer for a food shelter, and that could help you develop better people skills. From personal experience, last summer I was thrust into USF’s program director position for the radio station. This job essentially runs the station and is in charge of programming and managing the talent that goes on air. I had no idea how to really do any of that going into the job, but fast forward nine months and I am glad I made this decision. It has taught me so much and I have had the opportunity to learn and do so many great things for the station. Moral of the story, take chances and volunteer for things! You never know where it’ll take you!

Tip 2: Intern (If you can)

This is always a classic for college students. If you have not already done so, I highly encourage college students to start applying for internships. Internships are great because they provide you with actual real world experience. Even more than that, it offers young adults the opportunity to start networking and making connections with professionals who work in their field of interest. This is extremely valuable. I know that internships are harder to come by in this Covid era, but I still highly recommend that students send in applications to as many places as they can. If you are a student at USF, log onto Handshake and search for internships near you TODAY!   

Tip 3: Don’t stop discovering

As mentioned at the start of the article, summer is often a time where people want to take it easy. There is a time to rest, but you should always try to keep learning. Summer provides you the perfect opportunity to do so. Start learning Spanish! Go out to the park and read that book you have been putting off! Listen to that cool new podcast on your way to work! Or go take that cooking class you have wanted to take for the last three years. Whatever it is, just keep learning. As people, we only fall behind when we have no desire to keep learning and expanding our knowledge. If you don’t want to do any of that, at least take the time to go somewhere quiet and just reflect. Reflect on yourself and evaluate where you’re at. Are you where you want to be? I know for me, I like to do this during the summer and go for night drives. It helps clear my mind and put everything in perspective. Hopefully it can do something similar for you!

Summer is a time to have fun. Like I said, you deserve a break and a good rest. Despite that, it does not give you an excuse to slack off for the whole summer. Stay on top of your game and come back better than ever next year! Your competition is out there working, what are you doing?