Winter break is fast approaching and while it’s tempting to
use your time off to veg out and binge your favorites on Netflix there are a
lot of things you can do with your break that will help you prepare for your next
steps.
Volunteer
Get involved in your community through volunteering or
community service projects. The holidays always seem to bring out our
communities spirits and highlight areas of need. Volunteer at a soup kitchen,
donate things to a charity or food shelter, or pick a family from a gift tree
and provide gifts to those in need. Donating your time not only helps those in
need, but can go on your activity resume as a service project. There are many
scholarships that are based on service and involvement and your service to the
community could help you earn cash for college.
Gather Advice
You are going to be around family and friends for days over
break. Take the opportunity to ask questions of your relatives. What life
experiences helped shape their careers and choices? Where did they go to school
or how did they pick their career? Gathering advice and learning about
experiences, both good and bad, can help you shape the way you plan your own
future. Start a conversation and learn from those around you.
Read
Take some time and read a book or two. Reading is a
life-long skill and increases your vocabulary and communication skills. Pick up
a book for fun and spend some time reading. On the days spent with family take
some time to read to younger family members. They’ll appreciate the attention
and you’ll have some fun too.
Scholarships
If you’re a senior or current college student at least part
of your break should be spent on scholarships. Every application you submit is
a chance at reducing the cost of your education and covering expenses without
incurring debt. Get organized before break and figure out which scholarships
you want to work on. You’d be surprised what a day or two of dedication can
accomplish.
Explore the Future
No matter your age you can spend some time exploring your
future options. Use the Internet to explore college websites or learn about
careers that interest you. Take the ACT Profile career inventory assessments (www.actprofile.org) and learn about career
pathways that fit your interests, skill, and values. This activity is well
worth your time and can give you an idea of things to fit into your spring
schedule like job shadows, internships, and classes.
Take a Needed Rest
While you shouldn’t spend your whole break doing nothing, do
make some plans for nothing once in a while. Everyone needs time to rest up and
relax and winter break is just about perfect for that. It’s cold outside so
grab a blanket, some holiday snacks or leftovers, and your favorite movie and
spend an afternoon doing nothing. It will be everything you always thought it
could be.
Brittania - ICAN Hiawatha Center
