Students’ school years are often overflowing with overwhelming assignments, constant stress, and an endless amount of obligations. As summer approaches each year, people feel the need to take a well deserved break from any form of intensive work.

Time off is important, yet summer is the only time to utilize all possible resources outside the classroom. With college ever-present on students’ minds, we should use summer to our advantage, to build a strong foundation for application time.

Whether that be through attending programs such as seminars, college prep classes, interning at organizations or companies, or even working a job, much of what teens hope to accomplish before they set off into the “real world” of college can be done over the summer with no disruption.

While school is a place to learn and discover hobbies, summer break is the time to hone in on your passions through these programs. This is especially true when you participate with others who have the same ambitions. Similarly, building your resume over the summer prepares you better not only for the year ahead, but for life. It enables you to think critically and expand your social life.

I experienced this through the prelaw program that I attended this past summer. It has provided me with a strong foundation in a possible career, is an incredible resume booster, has connected me to people and was a ton of fun.

So much of our resume building during the year is limited to the Jewish community. This summer, I was the only Jewish girl in my journalism class in New York. This gave me a lot of perspective as I became aware of the world outside of the Shalhevet “bubble” and more appreciative of my community.

If not for this program, entering a college campus in the future would have been a complete culture shock.

This way, I was exposed to other cultures, religions, and beliefs, all while learning and growing before college.

“But what about relaxing and just having fun? Aren’t we supposed to simply relax over the summer?” teenagers often say.

And taking a break is important.

At the same time, most programs aren’t all eight weeks of summer, leaving time for you to relax and hang out with your family, while still fortifying your resume for your future.

That’s the beauty of summer: an open schedule. When else can we learn outside the classroom?

We use any free time during the school year to relax, or attempt to catch up on sleep. Instead of sleeping all day, hidden under your blanket bingeing Netflix shows all night, teens should take this time to explore their interests, meet new people or volunteer.

Next summer, soak up all opportunities, step outside your comfort zone, and continue to utilize your potential with the time you have. You never know how it will benefit you later.