Summer is a time to relax, a college student’s escape from a year of hard classes, all-nighters and mind-numbing lectures. We relieve the pressure of an intense school year by lying out by the pool, attending barbecues and watching summer movie marathons.

But for some, summer is a time to get ahead. Many students take summer classes or apply for internships. Others work full-time jobs.

Then there are those who pack their summer schedules so tight that they are begging for it to be over. You may have met these people before. They think they can do it all and try to make their summer a “super summer.” I have a couple friends who fall under this category. One friend tries cramming everything she can into her schedule, and she loves it. She tells me she can’t stand being at home with nothing to do for more than a couple days. Last summer she was in town (and available to hang out) for less than a week. She feels she’s making the most of her summer. To me, it’s a nightmare.

For others, they feel their summer should be “Lazyfest 2010.” I know this because I was one of those people. In summers past, I was sucked into the pattern of sleep, T.V., sleep. It’s hard to resist. This may be something everyone needs to experience before they understand they can’t lay on the couch or out by the pool for three months. You have to do something productive with your time. It won’t be long before we are done with college and we are expected to go to work everyday - even in the summer. Vacation time won’t come easily, so we should take advantage while we still can.

For me, the summer break is about balance. It can’t be all work and no play. I want to look back on my summer and feel like I’ve accomplished something, but I also want to say I had fun. I stress out enough during the school year as it is (as I’m sure most of us do). We need this time to rest and enjoy ourselves.

Be sure to have fun, but also make something of yourself this summer. Maybe this means volunteering or taking a class you wouldn’t normally take. Maybe this means working out and staying healthy this summer. Maybe it means getting a summer job and saving money. Whatever is in store for you this summer, remember to take the time to enjoy yourself.

You have three months which is enough time to get the best of both worlds.