As the school year begins to wind down, students often ask me what they can do throughout the summer to better prepare for the following school year, post-secondary, and life. Now, I wear two hats: as a mom and a guidance counsellor. As a mom of 2 teenagers, I firmly believe that summer is a time for a well-earned break from the structure and demands of school. Students need space to recover from all the academic and social rigors of the year. Getting out and enjoying the sunshine, going on walks, vacationing and hanging out with friends is arguably just as valuable if not more valuable than checking off tasks in preparation for the year ahead. Especially with the Canadian winter that many of our provinces just endured, the welcome sunshine is a treat, and I always encourage students to soak up as much outdoor time as they can. However, as a guidance counsellor, while rest and recreation are essential, the summer months also offer a valuable opportunity for personal growth, exploration, and preparation for future goals. It’s an ideal time for students to focus on intentional smaller goals, without overwhelming themselves. Here are five meaningful ways students can make the most of their summer for both personal development and future success.
1. Complete Community Service Hours
Many provinces have a community service component built into their secondary school diploma requirement. Summer is an ideal time to complete this requirement without the competing pressures of schoolwork and extracurriculars. Beyond simply “checking a box,” volunteering helps students develop empathy, responsibility, and real-world skills.
Students can look for opportunities they find interesting including, working with children, supporting environmental initiatives, helping at food banks, or assisting in community events. Not only does this make the experience more enjoyable, but it also helps build a stronger résumé and can even inspire future career interests. Starting early also reduces stress in later school years when time becomes more limited.
2. Explore Career Pathways and Post-Secondary Options
Summer provides the mental space needed to begin exploring life after high school. Students can research different pathways, including apprenticeships and trades, college programs, and university degrees. This exploration does not need to be overwhelming; it can start with simple questions: What subjects do I enjoy? What kind of work environment appeals to me? What are my strengths? These are questions I often ask my students when we are discussing various post-secondary pathway options.
Students can browse program websites, attend virtual open houses, visit a campus or two, or even reach out to professionals in fields of interest to ask questions. I have found in my experience, adults enjoy talking with teenagers about their professional journey. Understanding the variety of options available helps students make more informed decisions later on and reduces uncertainty as graduation approaches.
3. Start Building Scholarship and Application Materials
One of the most overlooked summer opportunities is preparing for scholarships and post-secondary applications. Many scholarships require personal statements, essays, or detailed records of extracurricular involvement. Beginning this work early can make a significant difference.
Students can start by drafting a running list of their achievements, volunteer work, leadership experiences, and skills. They can also begin writing about themselves, creating a draft form of an essay, focusing on challenges they’ve overcome, leadership opportunities they have earned, and what makes them unique. These reflections often form the foundation of strong scholarship essays and application responses. By starting in the summer, students avoid the stress of rushing through applications during the busy school year.
4. Take a Summer Course or Explore a New Subject
Summer school is not just for catching up. It is also an opportunity to get ahead or explore new interests. Some students choose to take a required course to lighten their workload during the school year, while others use summer learning as a chance to try something new.
Whether it’s enrolling in a formal summer school program, taking an online course, or independently learning a skill like coding or learning a new language, these experiences demonstrate initiative and curiosity. They can also help students discover passions they may not encounter in their regular curriculum.
5. Work Experience
Summer jobs, internships, and even informal work like babysitting or lawn care can provide valuable experience. Employment teaches responsibility, time management, communication, and financial literacy. These are skills that extend far beyond the classroom and are highly valued by both post-secondary institutions and future employers.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember that summer should be balanced. Students do not need to fill every moment with productivity to make it meaningful. Rest, social time, and personal well-being are just as important as productivity and checking tasks off a list. Students should focus on taking small, intentional steps that contribute to their personal growth and future readiness, while enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
By completing community service, exploring career options, preparing for scholarships, engaging in learning, and building practical skills, students can return to school not only refreshed and recharged, but also more confident and prepared for what lies ahead.
By: Anna Macri
