Last year after moving out of my dorm, effectively graduating from the Biever Hall Blues, I was confronted with a strange emotion: imposter syndrome. I wrote a whole essay on the phenomenon of coming back home for the summer with no prospects; on being surrounded by peers who comparatively are doing much better than I was, who have not regressed back into their ever-indulgent sixteen-year-old bodies.
As a sophomore, these ideas are more pressing to me. I have friends with big girl jobs, some that are taking time off in Paris or Greece, and most of them live by themselves in New Orleans. I constantly check my notifications on LinkedIn, and Indeed Jobs is a frequent flyer in my weekly screentime data since I’m trying my best to scrounge up any internships I can get.
I think some of you might be having the same problem. Every time I speak to anyone about this, I receive one of two responses: a person is doing absolutely everything this summer or they are doing nothing at all.
For my summer break, I’m going to try to reconcile this weird gray space we all seem to be in by trying out the whole “work hard, play hard” thing. There is no doubt in my mind that I’m going to be checking my emails twice before I go to sleep at night, but it can also be said that I am a nineteen-year-old that’s allowed to enjoy my youth.
Here are some chic ideas so you can enjoy yours!
If, like me, you’re trying to avoid your parent’s house, go on a road trip with some friends–even if it’s just for the day. When I get so listless and tirelessly bored, my best friend and I drive into Texas and go check out various thrift shops. It beats sitting in the Target parking lot with Wingstop, for one.
The beach can also be done in a day. I mean the beach in a relaxing, sunbathing, Gossip Girl White Party way though: going out in an airy cover-up with a plush towel early in the morning, tanning and reading all day, and then dinner in the evening. Something classic.
Although June and July are not particularly reserved for mental stimulation, I enjoy indulging in new media as much as possible. Books, music, essays, films, podcasts, even magazines. Anything like that can cure imposter syndrome right away. It feels like everyone is opposed to reality television, but a little Love Island (U.K., of course) is something I mainly look forward to.
Doing everything you said you were going to do is also a choice. For example, selling your clothes online, deep-cleaning your closet, or taking that trip you’ve been wanting to take. I’m trying out this new thing where I say yes to things I normally wouldn’t in order to obtain inspiration.
Summer can be romanticized in such a nuanced way, but it can simultaneously be one of the most aimless experiences. A universal truth, though, is that we all need rest. No matter if you have a million internships lined up or if you’re succumbing to inevitable bedrot, remember to give yourself a much-needed break.
