Put down your pencil from your last scheduled Regents exam.  The proctor will announce that you are free to leave.  Walk out of the building and sigh! It’s that sense of relief we all feel as it starts to finally set in that summer is here. But now that you’re out of school, what is there to do?

As another year comes to a close, I’m at a loss for words. It seems like the year flew by. Right now is the best time for reflection.  What were your highlights? What do you have to change going into next year? What are your plans for the summer? Here are some tips to get the most from your next few months.

Hopefully you turned in your application to the summer youth program.  By doing so you’re guaranteed a job this summer in a placement that interests you. These jobs are great because they have short hours and are fairly easy. If you missed the deadline for the summer youth program, send out as many applications as you can as soon as possible. Summer is the perfect time to pick up your first job because it is typically much less stressful than working during the school year.

Did you manage to fail gym? Is this really the third time you took the Trig Regents? Maybe summer school is for you. It’s only a couple of hours a day, four days a week, and the curriculum is shorter in hopes that by the end you will be prepared to retest. It sounds bad and maybe a bit boring, but it’s one less class and credit you’ll have to worry about next year!

If it’s 85 degrees and sunny outside, you really shouldn’t be sitting in front of the TV.  Take advantage of the warm weather, ride a bike, walk the dog an extra block, or even just bring your laptop outside.

My last piece of advice is to engage in something new this summer.  Make a bucket list of things to do, sights to see, books to read.  Summer is the perfect time to find yourself and bond with friends.  Here’s to a happy and healthy summer 2013.  Be safe!