The last month of school is underway, and with the workload picking up in many classes,
students are working through the grind of the last few weeks and have finals on their minds.
There is surely something in the back of everyone’s mind as well – summer.
Yes, that time of year when it seems a lot of the area high school and college-aged population
flocks to the beach and soaks up some fun in the sun. While the beach is fun, it can get old in a
hurry.
Some people enjoy spending all of their free time at the beach; others have their own style of
summer living, which may include a summer job.
For the people with a summer or year-round job, and want a little more out of summer than
sand and water, try doing some traveling. Travel anywhere. I understand the “poor college
student” thing, but all I’m saying is if you have a few extra bucks lying around from the work
you have put in – use it to spoil yourself and get out of town for a few days.
It doesn’t have to be far, just distant enough to gain a new experience. These college years may
be the chance of a lifetime to see what else the world has to offer.
Check out a concert of an artist you like that is performing soon in Chicago. Find out when your
favorite baseball team visits Cleveland or Pittsburgh and watch a ball game or two. If you like
camping, find where there is a hot spot for the outdoors. Save some extra money and explore
that city you have always wanted to visit.
The opportunities for travel are aplenty by saving just a couple paychecks. I have done all of
these things the last few summers with money I saved from working, and none of them were
ultra-pricey. They have been the best summers I’ve had, given me remarkable experience, and
have helped me escape a little bit from the often tiresome everyday summer activities.
The week or two I spend on vacation each summer gives me a better perspective on what goes
on in areas outside of Buffalo, which is very refreshing.
So here’s to another summer of breath-taking experiences in places I will not forget any time
soon. Now take a step away from the ordinary, and do something memorable this summer if at
all possible.
Aaron Garland can be reached by email at garland.record@live.com.