Irene talks about the importance of summer beyond the traditional break from school or work.
From childhood into late college life, summer is often synonymous with the triumphs of completing the school year, the freedom to cherish time with friends & family, and the delight of warm weather. While many debate the time frame of summer break and the need for an extended hiatus from school, it is clear that summer serves multiple, useful purposes for a variety of age groups.
Between preschool and postgraduate years, summer break has signified the release from the hardships of school; however, summer break also plays a major role for many parents. Primarily, with kids no longer in school, there is more time allocated to work or family time. From getting the kids up everyday for school to packing lunch, school drains a significant amount of time throughout the day.
On the contrary, when children are not attending school during break, both parents and children are given more liberty to choose what activities to prioritize. For instance, many families, whether big or small, often take vacations in the summer to relax or to connect to one another. Personally, my family adores the memories we create during summer because, even if we aren’t taking a trip, we have more opportunities to enjoy each other’s company.
Furthermore, summer time is a critical period of development for many older students who will take up internships and jobs outside of school. While working doesn’t necessarily correlate with break, the months between semesters can become a learning opportunity for students to solidify their soft skills and even catch up on past projects.
While summer is just commonly known as a break from the routine of school and work, summer serves to not only grant parents and families more time together, but also prepare students for their careers.
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