Between hectic school days and studious weekends, it is every students dream to barrel through the year to a time we all dream of – summer. Of course, two whole months of sleeping in, relaxing, and traveling sounds appealing to all. However, being a rising junior, my summer plans defy this conventional idea of summer. Three months prior to the last day of school, I was already expecting hours devoted to SAT test preparation, all the while balancing quality family time and travel plans. Allow me to give you a little insight of what the next two months of my summer will look like.
As my days in Shanghai draw to an end, I decided to take one last trip with my best friend to Hong Kong, which I consider home. In fact, I write this article to my fellow viewers while overlooking the ominous view of this spectacular city. Many think of Hong Kong as a city that never sleeps, but what many seem to overlook is the vast amount of green and mountainous terrain that surrounds the area, and I have made it my goal to spend as much time as possible exploring the untouched scenery of the city. This would include visiting secluded beaches, islands, and taking on hiking trails that might be labeled “dangerous” or “unexplored”. By doing this, I hope to gain a better understanding of the Hong Kong culture, and hidden beauties that lie within it.
Furthermore, my family has planned to take a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand with a few family friends. I am expecting a slightly more laid back itinerary, but knowing how summer plans usually go, I will probably end up trying to hit four tourist attractions each day. Despite having been to Thailand multiple times in the past, my previous excursions have consisted of beach days, ice creams, and riding Tuk tuks around the city. This time, I plan to really engage in the local culture, indulge in some good food, and visit popular tourist attractions such as the elephant sanctuary.
Finally, in August, I will be taking a family trip to the UK. I have never been to the country before, so the entire experience will be new to me. The UK is culturally and historically rich, and I have heard that the architecture is absolutely breathtaking, so I want to take this opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the United Kingdom. We have Ireland, Great Britain, and Scotland on our list, so the trip should have a good balance of culture and scenery!
Although the traveling component to my summer is certainly satisfactory, a student’s job never ends. All the while, I will be working on SAT textbooks and taking intensive courses in preparation for the exam. Summer between sophomore and junior year is the optimal time for SAT preparation, as the next two years of high school will be crammed with AP and IB workload. Although some choose to omit exams such as the SAT completely, standardised tests are a great way to show colleges your ability in certain foundational skills.
Hope you enjoyed reading about my summer plans, and have a great summer!