Embracing Summer's Challenges: The Upside of Breaking Convention
As the summer break approaches, many Princeton students find themselves pondering over their plans. The question "What are your plans this summer?" can cause anxiety, but it doesn't have to.
Sometimes, the unexpected reveals your unique contribution to research, service, or at the intersection of multiple disciplines. It's essential to think critically about what the summer will entail. Are you excited about the positions you applied for? Is the experience unique to the Princeton experience? Do you want to be on-campus, study abroad, or stay close to home? Do you hone in on what you've always enjoyed, or do you explore a new field of interest?
The most obvious choice may not always be the wisest choice for a unique experience. Regardless of what you end up doing, you'll have a unique experience that contributes to where you're meant to be. Even if your first application cycle didn't pan out, there are still many opportunities available on Princeton's campus.
One effective strategy is to use structured decision-making processes. Maintaining a balance between purposeful activities related to your interests and leisure time can help you develop skills while preventing burnout and peer influence. For example, students can plan summer activities that promote learning or skill-building in areas tied to their goals, but still include downtime for reflection and exploration.
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) has a list of summer research opportunities on Princeton's campus. Encouraging students to seek information independently (e.g., researching opportunities, scholarships, or internships online) and to set priorities based on what matters most to them—such as financial aid, career prospects, or location—also supports autonomy in decision-making.
Adopting a mindset to “learn smarter, not harder” by mixing different approaches (practical experience, study, creative projects) helps students stay engaged and deepen their interests, reinforcing meaningful goal alignment without succumbing to peer pressure.
At the end of the day, it is you who makes meaning from your summer. The summer decision can impact future opportunities, so it's crucial to consider how a seemingly unrelated summer experience might contribute to your passions in a meaningful, perhaps unexpected way.
Remember, you are in charge of your own summer experience, and there is no right way to spend it. Regardless of whether you choose to participate in a research programme, internship, or simply take a break, the key is to make a decision that aligns with your personal interests and unique career goals.
[1] Source for structured decision-making tools [2] Source for balancing structured and free time [3] Source for adopting a "learn smarter, not harder" mindset [4] Source for independent research and setting priorities
- Embrace the opportunity for undergraduate research this summer as a chance to make a unique contribution to your education-and-self-development, balancing structured research opportunities with leisure time provided by the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at Princeton.
- By adopting a lifestyle that encourages learning smarter, not harder, through a blend of practical experience, study, and creative projects, you can align your personal interests and unique career goals this summer, ensuring that every experience embraced, whether it's research, an internship, or simply taking a break, adds value to your future.
