The school year is coming to a grand halt; we can count the amount of school days left on one hand and the prospect of summer can make even the most academic freshman salivate with excitement.  But instead of spending your almost-attainable summer days wasting away in [Virgin] Margaritaville, I highly consider undertaking a new or unorthodox summer pass-time.

Who doesn’t love the thrill of trying something new?  Tasting the authentic cuisine of a distant land that makes you pucker with surprise or creating a regional #TrendingTopic over Twitter that makes you “Internet-famous” for a few days are both memorable tidbits that could add spice and variety to an otherwise lazy summer afternoon.  You could bring these stories of adventure or newfound fame to your family dinner table or group of friends with a sense of real pride.

Summer pass-times do not only appeal to the fun side of summer, because you can use those couple of sunny months to build your college resume.  For example, last summer, a friend of mine combined her love for hair accessories and crafts into her own business.  Keeping her audience small (people at her school and their friends) and through the spread of social media, she became her own boss, made a bit of spending money, and will soon be attending a prestigious business college this autumn.  Creating your own local business or charity will not only guarantee an involved and energetic summer as you meet new friends and clients, but you could also be giving back to your community.

Your summers do not have to be defined by zebra tan-lines and boring television re-runs, so check out that new boutique, attempt a cool new trick and sail into your summer without horizons.