Lately, the internet has been reliving the “summer bucket list” phenomenon of the early 2010s. The disappearance of this tradition may be one of the reasons why we've lost the magical summer energy of our childhood. This reminded me of my early days on Pinterest, when I would browse through fun, colorful goals of Tumblr girls striving to make their season the most beautiful, saturated summer ever.
Thinking back to my middle school days has led me to analyze how I've spent my summer vacation so far. This summer, I'm back home and trying to remember how to have fun outside of college life, but it's already required some adjustments. Instead of hanging out with friends, getting out of the house and working on my hobbies (work and binge-watching) are my only activities. I'm struggling to find exciting and fun hobbies to pursue in my free time, but I think this inspiring list will be a great starting point to get your summer back on track.
Not taking advantage of the holidays and sunny weather is not the way to spend your free time this summer. To avoid those end-of-term blues, you should definitely revive your summer bucket list.
Whether you're still in Auckland or visiting your parents for the summer, the departure from a normal school year can make it hard to have fun and stay motivated. We're not saying you need to get out the markers and poster boards (although that would be fun), but having some ideas for what you want to accomplish or get done this summer can be a great reference point when you find yourself rotting in bed instead of having fun.
When I started building my bucket list, the first thing I tackled was identifying aspects of life in Pittsburgh that I felt were missing back home. Not having all my close friends within walking distance was the biggest challenge in my social life. Now that I've left Oakland, it's hard to motivate myself to connect and catch up with my high school friends. Adding hanging out with all my local friends to my bucket list is essential to getting out and building long-term friendships.
Another thing I miss now is attending club meetings. I'm in an a capella group, but something feels wrong without weekly rehearsals to fall back on. Setting up regular social activities is a great way to fill the gaping hole that's left when you're not regularly involved with a student organization. Taking classes, playing a sport, or even getting a part-time job can help you relive that camaraderie and get you back on track if you miss college life.
Next, you should add some items to your list that will get you in the summer mood and stay true to the original summer bucket list trope. Trips to the beach, tie-dying white clothes, picnics, and painting with friends would be great nostalgic items to put on your list. Anything that reminds you of the fun of summer as a child falls into this category, and you should also add some things that take place outdoors.
I'm not here to criticize. My screen time is embarrassing to say the least. But do as I say, but don't copy me. Resist the urge to overspend during your holidays and make the most of them while you can. Rest is super important, but don't forget to do all the things that make the coming months feel truly summery. Awaken the “girly” in you and plan ways to have fun, regardless of age or responsibilities.
After all, while some of these summer bucket list essentials can only be accomplished during the warmer months, there's plenty of time throughout the year to rot your beds, so don't let your summer go to waste by not prioritizing having fun and getting outside.
Delaney Rauscher Adams has been fighting the urge to rot in bed all summer. To contact her, email dgr17@pitt.edu.
