By: Marissa Miczek

Goodbye three flavors of ice cream on a golden waffle cone. Goodbye alarm-less mornings. Goodbye adventures and travel galore. For those who can't say the same... you have one week to fix this. Grab a heaping bowl of ice cream, lounge on the couch, and watch a movie with an epic setting in Italy. If you desire more, I hope this list can fit your desires as we count down the final days before school.

1. Outdoor/Nature/Waves

Go with family or friends to the beach! Don't overthink. Not a fan of the sand? Try camping. Can't decide which activity you prefer? Go two in one and camp on the beach at Assateague Island. It's an annual activity for my family and it's bound to be a hit. The most important thing to know is that you can have fun: there are no limits. Camp in your backyard or jump in a neighbor's pool for the love of summer!

2. Read

I can't tell you to finish your school work (you should) because this is not what this article is for; however, I do highly recommend grabbing a book. Find a genre you enjoy! If you like mystery or realistic fiction... please hook me up with some good recommendations.

3. Get A New Look!

I'm not saying you don't look good... but you have to admit that it can be nice to change things up! Get a hair cut, buy new clothes, or try on new earrings (mostly for the gals ;))! If you don't want to change the appearance, change the inside and take some time for your mental health. Meditation, yoga, or some fresh air is worth it. Walk through the high school with CONFIDENCE.

4. Connect

If you have little time during the school year to spend time with your extended family, family-friends, or people you don't have the chance to talk to (in-person at least), do it now. That's all I have to say, although I'll add one thing... be thankful for the people you have by your side, I for one couldn't imagine my life without them.

5. Try Something New!

Summer will end but possibilities don't. Do your chores, go to a drive-in movie, do a split, make a homemade strawberry milkshake, the list goes on (just remember quality over quantity: enjoy the moment)! Worse case scenario just stick with the old and chill.

If you are done reading about what I have to say, never forget that there is always Google (and Chat-GPT)!

https://year13.com.au/articles/everything-before-summer-ends

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/25-things-you-must-before-summer-ends.html