Do something productive this winter break.
Here are FIVE tips to make your winter break a quality one….
- REST & RELAX. Of course, everyone needs this after your first big semester at college. Get some sleep. Lots of sleep. Then blow off some steam with friends. Party, do a movie marathon, or binge-watch that new TV drama you missed. Then sleep some more.
- RECHARGE. After all the aforementioned sloth and silliness (which shouldn’t last past New Year’s), get back into a groove by getting back to healthy eating, sleeping and exercise. Play some hoops, hit the slopes or the gym, eat right, and don’t abuse your body by ingesting bad stuff. Do NOT save this for the few days before you return to campus.
- REFLECT. How did your first semester go? What did you do well? What needs tweaking? What’s your improvement plan for both inside & outside the classroom? Anything you wish to improve with your roommate relationship? Write this stuff down! Then, THINK BIG and consider the following…
- What’s up with my career exploration, job shadowing, internships? Do I have something ready for summer? If not, whom can I contact to get the ball rolling? Is my resume in order? What deadlines am I up against for summer internships (Guess what…Some have already passed!!)
- What’s up with my passions? (Music, sports, history, writing code, entrepreneurial projects, etc.) By the time I graduate, will I be able to say I’ve made progress in these areas and built upon these passions?
- What “Carpe College” experiences enriched me? What did I learn? Anything good for my resume? (Saw a play, joined a club, took a leadership position, did philanthropy, met a professor, learned about a new culture, etc)
- SHADOW. Visit a professional on the job for a day. Start with people you know, then secure contacts you don’t know. Do this every break for your entire college career. (Yes, even if you get an internship. Shadowing gives you breadth of experiences while interning gives you depth. You’ll need ‘em both. And, yes, this is a repeat from the “Three Week Streak” and “Seize Your Senior Summer.” I’m repeating because it’s so important….)
- GROW. Do something new outside your comfort zone. Travel. Take a yoga, art or dance class. Take on a temporary job. Volunteer. Make friends with someone from another generation. Write a letter (handwritten) to a grandparent.
These ought to be enough to provide a rich and rewarding winter break. If you’ve got more ideas…. GO FOR IT!!