Pursue meaningful summer experience

Overview

This summer is your opportunity to dive deep into something meaningful. Whether it's a program, job, project, or volunteering, make it count!

What Makes an Experience "Meaningful"?

Characteristics

• Sustained commitment (not just a week)
• Genuine interest and engagement
• Growth and learning
• Some form of impact or outcome

Examples

• Research: Working with a professor or in a lab
• Internship: Learning professional skills in your field of interest
• Job: Responsibility, earning, learning work skills
• Passion project: Creating something meaningful independently
• Volunteering: Sustained service with measurable impact
• Program: Structured learning experience

Maximizing Your Experience

Be Present

• Engage fully in whatever you're doing
• Ask questions and learn actively
• Build relationships with mentors and peers
• Take on challenges that stretch you

Document Everything

• Track hours and responsibilities
• Note specific accomplishments
• Save evidence of your work
• Reflect on what you're learning

Create Outcomes

If possible, create something tangible:

• A report, project, or presentation
• A product, website, or portfolio
• Measurable impact on others

Work-Life Balance

• Build in rest and relaxation
• Spend time with family and friends
• Exercise and stay healthy
• Enjoy being a teenager!

Encouraging Thought

What matters most is genuine engagement. Authenticity beats prestige!