The May long weekend is approaching and that means summer is around the corner. This summer may look a little different but that doesn’t mean it can’t be great. Here are some suggestions to make the most of summer 2021.
Indulge in a book…or five
You may have an assigned reading list from your school, but if not, why not create your own summer reading list? Reading is not only relaxing, but it’s also a great way to improve your vocabulary, enhance your ability to listen to and tell stories, and strengthen your memory. So, check out this list, or this one, or this one to get you started!
Get your hands ‘dirty’
Well, you might if you volunteer for a beach clean-up or at a neighbourhood garden! Or, you could try your hand at volunteering at a children’s day camp or your local community centre. Yes, volunteering can be great for your resume or your university applications, but more importantly, it can give you an opportunity to gain practical skills, share your talents with others, lay the foundation for a future job, and allow you to meet new friends.
Now is the perfect time to update your resume, sign up for volunteer listings in your community, like Volunteer Vancouver, and reach out to organizations you would like to learn more about. If your resume needs a facelift, check out Canva to get some ideas.
Build your Skills
Have you ever wanted to learn desktop publishing, photography, or bike maintenance but haven’t had the time? Well, you just might this summer. Check out Coursera for free courses.
Take a Class
If your school is offering summer school or you like learning online, consider taking a course this summer. This is a great option if there’s a class you would like to take, but it’s not offered at your school during the year. Or, maybe try taking a class over the break that will let you get ahead during the school year, like taking Math 10 now, so you can take Pre-Calc 11 next fall. In addition to your school district, there are other online providers like E-Bus, NIDES, or SIDES that might have a great course for you.
Get ‘Academic Ready’
No matter what grade you’re going into in the fall, Options has you covered. Check out our workshops to learn more.

