We made it through our first year of the graduate program and now it’s time for summer break! Transitioning from having a packed schedule to having nothing on the to-do list can be a shock— a welcome shock if you ask me. Let’s talk about some ideas to make your summer break everything you imagined!
Reading
During the school year there is very little time for recreational reading, especially with the amount of reading you’re doing for classes. Take some time in the summer to read all the books that have been on your list or get some inspiration from the Social Work Faculty Reading List!
Volunteering
Finding a volunteer position can be a low stress and fulfilling option for the summer. Many volunteer positions also offer valuable training that may compliment your social work education. The Trevor Project offers free mental health trainings for volunteers, remote volunteer positions, and provides necessary mental health services to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Summer Spots
If you stay in Seattle for your summer break there are so many great activities and locations, you should check out. During the summer I love to paddle board at Lake Sammamish and Seward Park, both locations offer paddle board rentals. In addition to this, Alki beach and Golden Gardens offer some great beachy activities like bon fires and biking.
Tourist Destinations
If you’re new to the area the summer is a great time to go visit some of the tourist spots around Seattle. Some of the classics are the Space Needle, Pike Place, Gas Works Park and the waterfront. If you’re wanting to be a little more outdoorsy, places like Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier may be the destinations for you.
Working
Summer is a great time to take on more hours at your job or find a summer job to help cover the costs while in school. Some people prefer to take this time to work in positions that are not related to social work so that they get a complete break from school, while others may be looking to gain more experience within the field. A great option for those looking to gain more experience within social work may want to look into the many open shelter positions with organizations like Mary’s Place, DESC, Plymouth Housing, and LIHI.
This is a very short list of the many activities available to you over the summer, especially if you are in Seattle. Whatever you choose to do during your summer break, remember to schedule in some time to decompress before the new school year begins.