Last summer, between my freshman and sophomore year, was such a vibe: volunteering in the Philippines, making new friends and hanging out with old ones, staying up until 4 a.m. watching a random soap opera that hits different after midnight, and going to the beach. All fun things.

When August rolled around, I was back at school, buried once again under piles of homework, but this time having leveled up in some courses. 

So, after a year of relentless and exhausting work, this upcoming summer is daunting. As a sophomore-going-on-junior, what should I do with one of my last summers before becoming an adult? 

To me, summer is a time to do two things, which are gaining experience in subject matter I enjoy and taking a much-needed rest. How do I balance those two choices, especially before junior year (which is going to be very demanding with extracurriculars, new leadership positions, a more difficult course load, and the looming threat of college)? For example, do I spend all three months rotting on my couch and relaxing after a stressful finals season? Do I get a summer job? Do I volunteer?

These are questions that most high schoolers are probably thinking about. They are  questions I definitely was considering these past few weeks as I was planning out how I’m going to spend the next three months. 

This summer, after much uncertainty, I will be working for two and a half months at a lab and participating in a medical program for high schoolers for two weeks. Yet was this the right choice for a summer break that (unfortunately) won’t last forever? Am I just burning myself out before what will likely be the most stressful year of my life so far? 

For me, two things facilitated my decision to make this my busiest summer yet and eased my mind about these questions: one of my recent goals, which is developing my resume, and the memories from last summer where I got bored very easily when I was just sitting around (watching TV becomes monotonous after a while). So doing all this work is worth it for me because I’m gaining genuine and meaningful experience and not having feelings of wasting my life away. 

But that’s just me. I won’t pretend that everyone has the same goals and tendencies as I do—I doubt everyone needs to be busy 24/7 or wants the same experiences. So, what about everyone else?

Perhaps there are those who are similar to me. If working is for you, then perhaps considering getting a part-time job (in which you can earn some money) or an unpaid internship would be a good idea. However, don’t just get a job for the sake of just working: you want to have fun during the summer, not use it as a means to an end. Find something that interests you, and see if you can find a job opportunity that balances work and those passions. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to know what you want to do with your life—it’s totally fine if you don’t—just do something you enjoy. 

For example, maybe work as a cashier at a bookstore if you like to read, not necessarily because you want to become a bookseller or a writer. Even joining a summer camp that focuses on an interest of yours (or becoming a camp counselor there) could be something to look into. 

Additionally, not only do you get to do things you enjoy, you could also earn some money. This money could be put towards post high school savings or towards that end-of-the-week treat from that one café you like. I personally am partial to a decadent and buttery monkey bread from Hewn Bread. 

On the other hand, there are breaks between and even during school years for a reason. If every single person on Earth was an industrious juggernaut, and everyone worked non-stop, life would be entirely (and terrifyingly) different.

If you need to, utilize your summer break as just that: a break. Take the time to take a breath, to clear your mind, to push aside all the math you learned during the school year, or to have a perfect summer montage you might see in a rom-com.

And if you need to rot on the couch, go for it. Let yourself recharge. You definitely won’t be alone, as plenty of people utilize their break as a time to rest. In my case, I will have weekends off, so after a busy week, I definitely will be laying on the couch and watching a movie or two.

Ultimately, though, the summer is your oyster; if you want to take a job at the botanic gardens, shadow a doctor at a clinic, go to summer school, travel, or stay home, please do! It’s your choice. Know yourself and your values, and use your summer in the best way for you, not for others’ expectations.

And so, tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious summer?