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Summer is finally here... now what?

And thus, with the ringing of the bell, another school year has been brought to an end.

There has always been something inherently magical about the words 'summer break' that never fails to conjures up pleasant images of guiltless siestas, carefree frolics on the beach, and hours of belated devotion spent towards electronic devices of endeared entertainment. It is a most powerful phrase - one that, though embodying connotations both positive and negative, still manages to invoke jubilance and, to many an individual, serves as the pinnacle of freedom in the midst of the hustle and bustle of daily life. But while such festive feelings may be embraced during the first few days of summer break, it is not always a sure thing that they will be renewed throughout the long weeks that follow.

This week, as countless North York students flock from their institutions of higher learning to bask in the warm sunshine of a long anticipated vacation, both parents and students alike can expect that upon the conclusion of exams, assignments, and strenuous cramming sessions, there will emerge from the ashes of time tables and due dates the commencement of (lo and behold!) summertime boredom.

Ah, yes... summer; the beloved savior of sleep-deprived/over-worked individuals everywhere has finally arrived. But now that it's here, what happens next? While most teenagers will be more than apt to abolish all thoughts related to academia and dive immediately for the trusty television control or consult the mind-baffling contents of YouTube, there are myriad worthwhile possibilities to consider in which to occupy you with the time at your disposal.

Volunteering:

As famine, war and political upheaval erode the foundations of many Third World countries today, why not reach into the closet, don the spandex and cape and play the role of a hero by partaking in volunteer activities made available through organizations like Amnesty International or Project Equity that are geared towards righting the wrongs plaguing humanity. Or, if your scope is settled for something slightly closer to home or the community, the YMCA is an ideal place to start. Volunteering provides both community hours and strengthens one's morals, coming together to form a combination that's truly worth pursuing.

Self- Enlightenment:

Just because it's summer break does not mean that all knowledge retained throughout the school year should be relinquished. Spending time to read a favorite novel or to sign-up for (and attend) summer camps/courses is an ideal way to rekindle one's out of class interests, discover new ones, and keep the mind sharp and ready for the ensuing school year without spending too much time on last minute preparation.

Outdoor Activities:

Long, long ago, before the television set replaced the family patriarch as the reigning authority in the household, a time when iPods and Game Cubes were nonexistent in the Hierarchy of One's Personal Importance, there existed something prevalent that spread throughout the land - exercise. Though one may be easily sidetracked by school, work, or other priorities that inevitably arise during the school year to focus much on physical activity or personal well being, the summer's offerings of wide green fields and suitable temperature will provide ample opportunities to reinvest in oneself, stretch those extremities, have some light-hearted fun, and relieve tension and stress through sports and other outdoor endeavors. Popular suggestions include swimming, beach volleyball, and any activity that involves copious water usage.

And there you have it: your (somewhat compressed, though still serving its purpose) guide to what will hopefully lead to an enjoyable and worthwhile summer vacation.

But while you're out there exploring and experiencing great bouts of bliss and enlightenment, it is always prudent to make note of the time and remember that, after all, summer break is only two months.

And time can sure fly when you're having fun.

 

Millie is a high school student in North York.