As I see it, there are at least three reasons why some students do not complete this assignment. First, from a student’s perspective, there is little motivation or purpose to this reading. They do not know why they have to read this particular book; therefore they are not motivated to do it. Secondly, they are on vacation and are being asked to read books with titles that, for the most part, do not interest them. And thirdly, this generation of high school students are different from any other. Their summer schedules are planned with jobs, internships, college visits, advanced courses, testing preparation, trips, and the like prior to school’s end leaving little time to socialize with their peers or…read.

While test scores and grades are important, it’s time to stimulate the right side of the brain. So to all students out there, I challenge you to engage your creativity by reading for fun and opportunity.

Here are three ways to start. But I challenge you to let your mind wonder.  Imagine other ways to demonstrate your understanding and support for the things you value or are important to you.

1. Research
Read topics that interest you. Start with things that you like to do, or things that you feel strongly about. There have been books and articles written on every topic one can imagine. Go to the library or bookstore to research your topic of interest. Current events, commonly found in newspapers, internet or TV may introduce you to today’s “hot topics”.  You may find magazines devoted to the topic. And don’t forget to research scholarship opportunities. For instance, just ‘Google’ skateboard scholarships and you may find a listing of scholarships targeted to skateboard lovers.

2. Write about it
Express your opinion and enthusiasm about the subject to others. Incorporate your viewpoints in your personal statement for your college applications. Educate your community by submitting an article or series of articles to the local newspaper. Make a video for viewing on YouTube or Facebook.

3. Do something about it
Volunteer or intern with a local community service organization that shares the same ideals and passions as you. Then encourage your friends to show their commitment by participating in an event or project that you organized. (Dont forget to include this activity on your resume!)

Summer reading does not have to be boring. It’s not what you read but that you read. Formulate your opinions and be ready to debate. Then find avenues to put your “money where your mouth is”. Who knows, new found money and opportunities may find you.

Your grades and your family’s ability to contribute to financing your education  are eligibiity requirements for many scholarships. Did you know that you may be eligible for scholarships based on your family affiliations? That’s right! There are merit scholarships targeted to those who have special interests or backgrounds.

So while your relatives are gathered in one place, ask them about their lives, and the lives of other family members past and present. Every fact could be important .. . from the obvious to the ridiculous. When you get home investigate to find if there are any scholarship opportunties associated with it. Are you related to a famous historical person? Did someone in your family participate in an important historical event? Where do they work? What is their profession? Even their hobbies could be viable opportunities.

Lots of different family reunion activities can make fact finding fun and interesting. Perhaps you can take a leadership role in planning one of them. Here are some suggestions of games and activities that you can organize.

1. Chart your family tree. Update your family genealogy. Supply each household with a form that asks for vital information about each family member i.e. full name, birthdate and place, death date and cause, employment, siblings, religion, etc. Create a wall chart. ( go to www.make-family-tree.com )After the event you can send a copy of the wall chart to family members as a momentum of your day. 

2. Have a memorabilia table. Ask each family to bring a cherished item that tells something about themselves such as things they collect, photos, awards, or honors.

3. Heritage cookbook. Ask family members to submit their favorite recipe along with a short paragraph remembering a family event where this recipe was served.

4. Choose a special place. Schedule the reunion near the family homestead or cemetery. Use this opportunity to research old family records.

5. Story time. Audiotape or videotape family members as they recall interesting and funny stories about your family.

And here’s the icing on the cake … once awarded, this financial aid doesn’t have to be paid back and it’s not need based. Now you can add to the list that family get togethers can be fun and interesting … and profitable!

1. Donate your time to a good cause – Participate in walks, fundraisers, or be a helping hand to such causes as Habitat for Humanity, Child Abuse Center, Save Our Seabirds, or Breast Cancer Awareness.  
2. Clean up the community – You and your friends may enjoy collecting recyclable items left on the beach, roads or parks. In some cases, you can actually get cash for the items collected. Donate that money to your favorite charity.
3. Tutor a child – Are you gifted at explaining to others ideas and facts that consequently make learning fun and easier to remember? What subject area interests you the most? Share what you know.
4. Befriend a physically or mentally challenged person – Sports activities, shopping ar some activities that you can do that could change a person’s life forever!
5. Volunteer on the golf course by picking up abandoned golf balls and tees.
6. Start a Business – One way to save money for college is to start your own business.  A few ideas may include lawn care, babysitting, dog walking, and house sitting.
7. Begin a community food garden – Organize a neighborhood community vegetable and herb garden.
8. Feed the Hungry – Conduct food drives or help in food lines.
9. Catastrophe assistance – Find ways to help victims of catastrophic events like fires, death of a loved one, tornadoes, hurricanes, oil spills, tsunami etc.
10. Collect goods for the needy – Organize a campaign to help the homeless.  Collect blankets, clothes, and hygiene items that can be boxed and handed out at homeless shelters.

Volunteering can be quite rewarding not to mention that it looks good on a college resume.  Choose activities that you care about.  Meet people that have similar interests.  Write about your experience(s).  But most of all have fun.

1.  Get a job – Summer is a great time to earn money to offset college expenses.  It comes in handy for those late night munchies or movie rentals.

2.  Volunteer – Volunteering for a special cause or community service not only boosts your resume but also shows that you care about your community.

3.  Summer School – The ‘TO DO’ lists for junior and senior year can be daunting.  Sometimes it seems that there is not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.  The fear of overextending yourself is very realistic.  Ease the pressure by getting a jump on next year’s courses by taking a few this summer!

4.  Visit Colleges -  You wouldn’t want to buy a pair of sneakers without trying them on first, would you?  It is the same for colleges.  Take the time to visit as many of the colleges on your list as possible.  Make the most of your time by scheduling several colleges in the same proximity.

5.  Internship – Paid or unpaid, the opportunity to gain real life work experiences in an environment that mirrors your career choice really stands out on a resume.

6.  Sports Camp – Show your determination and commitment to excellence.  If sports is your thing, consider participating in a sports camp like the National Summer Youth Sports Program (NSYSP) to improve your skills.

7.  Read – Tackle that list of books that you always wanted to read, or ask your teachers for the required reading list for next year.  Reading is relaxing and it helps improve your SAT/ACT score.

8.  Summer Programs – Have a special interest in a particular subject area?  Stretch yourself by participating in a university offered summer program for high school students.  You may want to investigate these colleges…Ringling School for Art and Design or Columbia University.

9.  Travel – Whether traveling overseas or to another state, take the time to visit a place that you have never been.  Do something that you have never done.

10.  Stay Healthy – Maintain your health by balancing sleep, excerise and healthy eating with any and all of the above items.

Get the most out of your summer vacation.  Plan your activities before school ends. Remember to have fun.