In a college setting, the term “free time” could not be more of an oxymoron. This new and exciting world of independence requires intense planning and focus to be allotted to all aspects of sustenance, relaxation included.
Full spring semester classes end on April 28. From that point, a school schedule does not take up space in one’s everyday plans––at least not until fall semester begins. Many students, including myself, have no idea what they will do with all the extra time. How should the vacancy be filled?
Each year students choose to trek towards the beaches and resorts in search of a vacation. This is a common goal of many students who “just want to relax.” But what is it really? The amount of planning required for a successful excursion can be overwhelming at times. And not just pre-planning, but extemporaneous on-location events as well.
It’s a vacation: a time to get away from the bustle of everyday madness. Yet adventure, money and stubbornness are all you need to become very busy in the crowded beach towns without even knowing it.
Also, when one travels, it seems fit that they make the most of their location. There is plenty of sun in Atlanta plus beaches around a few Georgia lakes, but if a one finds themselves in Savannah for the same purpose of sunbathing on the water, there should be more activities considered.
Many tourists like to explore the locale and nightlife without any clue as to how to navigate a city other than their hometown. Add on top of it all, a whopping hotel bill to stay during the rush and even the shortest trips can become a stressful hassle. Upon return, it will likely not be time to begin studies once again.
A second pastime that usually either follows or replaces vacation is to be unproductive throughout the summer months, or to “do nothing.” Can people really do nothing? The thought that comes to mind is seldom a person completely still, not walking, talking or thinking or even breathing for two whole months. There are video games and parties and daydreams that may accomplish nothing, but even they can get old in excess. Dancing is dancing, drinking is drinking and romance is romance. They may be fun, but they won’t be disappearing anytime soon.
Many people don’t realize that a beach body is supposed to be made before and not on the beach. Some brave souls venture to catch up on personal projects and endeavors pushed back by heavy school scheduling. In this way, that novel that never materialized can be written, the grand opus of one’s career may surface, and something can be something.
Though the idea of a break is often romanticized as a time of fun, sunshine and freedom, responsibilities do not suddenly cease when school is out. Some students work year round and some only in the summer. Seasonal work makes sense because during the school year it may be difficult to maintain both strenuous classes and a steady job.
The summer is a good time to work or intern also because a student can experience a new job, meet new people and save up for next semester’s expenses. Some also take summer courses to catch up or get ahead in their studies. Unfortunately, a full load is not possible in the summer section at Georgia State, and though it may cut off some time usually required to graduate, the tuition and fees must be paid regardless.
It is surprising how much time there really is in a break. It’s enough for many occupations to be had simultaneously, but that task is not always carried out in a perfect way. How one manages their time and what one uses it for, however, is what defines a person.
It’s not natural to want to be at a constant state of work but sometimes it is a necessary or unintentional problem we make for ourselves. A balance between leisure and business is possible, even if 16 credit hours of business isn’t a staple of each week. Luckily, that choice is up to the student and no other.
