School may be over, but there are still ways you can stay ahead- without taking summer classes. This season, focus on building your skills while having a fun time. Most deadlines for summer internships and camps have passed, but no need to feel down. Here are six tips to make your summer productive outside of the classroom.

Plan out when you will complete your summer school work

Some HHS courses that require summer readings and assignments include English 9 Honors, English 10 Honors, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, and AP Chemistry. There are recommended times to complete them, and each course has a different specified time. Other “school work” includes preparation for standardized tests, such as the popular SAT and ACT. Summer is an excellent, stress-free time to get started; you won’t regret breaking down your studying into small chunks. Methods of preparation include in-person or online classes. Of course, you may also study by purchasing or borrowing workbooks. Additionally, if you are pursuing post-secondary education, getting started on college applications will ensure stability and preparedness in the future.

Get a job

Even if you don’t need the money, work experience provides “soft skills” better than a classroom ever could. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, in 2016 employers looked for leadership (80.1%), ability to work in a team (78.9%), and written communication skills (70.2%) the most in new college graduates. Working may teach skills that you never realized you needed.

Volunteer

Similarly to working, volunteering will help you gain valuable skills such as communication, responsibility, and initiative. Help out somewhere that supports a worthy cause to you, or just generally volunteer in the community. Although you are not paid for service, it can be much more rewarding to change the lives of others in a small or big way. Opportunities are available right in Hershey at the Hershey Gardens, the Hershey Story, and the Hershey Public Library, as well as many other places in the central PA area.

Read

Reading is an activity for any time of the year, but it is especially suited for summer on the beach or at home when you can relax. Whether it’s physical or online books, magazines, newspapers, or more, reading for fun or knowledge has many benefits. According to Reader’s Digest, reading can increase intelligence, increase empathy, and maintain a healthy young mind. Best of all, reading is free through the library.

Pursue a project

Putting time into an interest is hard during the school year when most attention goes towards classwork, homework, and extracurriculars. Whether it’s flower arrangement, learning a new language, or writing a book, you can follow your curiosities in the summer. However, don’t make the mistake of investing all of your time into it. Set mini goals for yourself throughout the weeks so that time is used efficiently. Without deadlines, it is easy to waste time.

Discover yourself

No matter what you do this summer, evaluate your feelings about your actions. Increasing self-awareness will ensure that you can focus more on what makes you happy. Have a great summer!