Who would agree with Phineas when he says that there are “a hundred and four days of summer vacation”? It probably wouldn’t be us, the incoming Filipino freshmen.

Since we ended our journey in the secondary level, we experienced almost two months of waiting (and two months to go), chatted with our course mates, kept abreast of the universities we want to attend to through social media, and all sorts of things just to bulk up our scheds a little. Whether or not we admit it, though, we’re bothered about what to do in order for us to truly spend this time wisely.

Here are some suggestions for seizing the moment while it’s still alive and kicking.

Join seminars or workshops.

Vacation is usually fit for activities that are totally outside the standard school context. In seminars, we can socialize and meet friends, and also learn about their backgrounds. We are also trained at some point since actual practice helps us to be adept in unexpected situations, as well as in incorporating and integrating new techniques for the next school year. A simple ballet class, an acting class, or a writing workshop might help us develop our creativity and innovation as artists, while Math and Chemistry Camps, Review Courses, and the like can condition and pump up our minds for the next school year.

Study for the next school year.

This may probably be our last choice, but also one of the most essential things to consider when entering the college level. We shouldn’t let ourselves be stunned immediately to the first set of lessons. We can opt to study in advance, so that we can be prepared at any time of the year. It is best if we also take notes, to help retain info in our minds. A simple gesture of reading can help relate with lessons easily.

Quest for part-time jobs.

Questing for part-time jobs can be a difficult move. I work part time as an encoder and earn PhP 200.00 as my part-time reward. If you don’t know where to work, try to ask if you can help the family business. If you do not have one, ask your friends for available part-time job slots. A simple reward or token, whether it’s money or not, is fulfilling, because you instantly feel that every effort pays off. After all, the goal is not to be rich, but to gain experience and maximize your time.

Devote time for service.

If it does take up much of your time, why not venture into church service? Simply by being an acolyte, a member of the youth ministry, or a chorister, you give back much to the community with your priceless service. You can also be a participant in the parish’s events. This can be valuable to them as you become one of the active presences of youth in your community. I remember one time when I became a chorister in our parish, serving from 8pm to 11pm every Saturday. If you really want to serve your community, these activities would be great.

Catch up with ‘barkadas’.

There’s probably nothing better than reminiscing together. Have hang-outs, coffee talks, or maybe walks along places you’ve been and the future places you’ll be. You might be studying how your upperclassmen are acting: their norms, actions, manners of talking, refinement and more, but do not forget the people who were first in your hearts: your friends.

There are more things that you can do than what I’ve said. It is up to you to explore further. My suggestions are things you can regularly put in your schedule. In the end, it is your choice that counts. Use your time wisely, and do not simply trim the opportunities that await you. Always keep these things in mind. Always be active, in any way possible.