Summer Routines
By daphne Qiu | Sept. 1, 2026
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (SCPDA) — When the final bell rings on the last day of school, students step into a highly anticipated two-month vacation. Some catch early flights while others have beach days. However, some students, rather than relaxing, take on internships and long shifts. Frequently, students may work at a local store, conduct research, or volunteer at nearby youth camps. Every year, students at Stanton College Preparatory School experience summer differently, whether it is taking time to rest or focusing on opportunities to get ahead on future material.
During a period of what is usually associated with leisure, students across all grades are met with varying circumstances. Some are able to step away from academic pressure, while others are expected to continue pursuing it. However, attempting to achieve a balance between enjoyment and rigor is difficult, with time management often being the biggest obstacle. Both relaxation and preparation prove to have their own benefits and challenges.
“Relaxing during summer break is a good way to let the stress out that accumulated over time during the school year,” sophomore Sophia Hu said. “It is a great time to get to know yourself and develop some hobbies and interests that could take up your free time.”
Regardless of how students choose to relax, opportunities to unwind allow them to ease stress, engage in activities and devote time to personal interests. These additional moments give students time to step away from an academic environment. For instance, some may get together with friends and family, catch up on sleep, or enjoy a video game. Although this two-month period provides different ways to recharge, some students struggle to enjoy their summers without worrying about the upcoming school year.
“I think summer reading can definitely have an impact and just thinking about that [work] over time, like having to prepare [material] and find out what books you need,” junior Finn Rogers said. “Getting supplies can also be hard when you are trying to find everything you need to get organized [for the upcoming school year].”
Academic pressures are difficult to leave behind, especially with course rigor and expectations placed on students, causing them to spend their summer preparing for next year. For many teenagers, the gap between high school and college is smaller than it appears. As schedules fill up, less time is spent on other activities, and the meaning of summer break begins to shift. This sense of urgency often influences students to put more focus into application boosters such as enrichment programs.
“I did a lot of volunteering [over the summer] and also went through all my classes,” senior Jessie Ye said. “I remediated classes that I did not do so well in and started thinking about college essays and what to write in them.”
With busy agendas and upcoming college applications, summer for students has transformed into an alternative version of school, rather than a break. According to a report, published on Aug. 6, 2024, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tension levels have increased noticeably. 40% of students aged 12-18 report symptoms of depression, with returning to school being a significant trigger. As the years continue, stress grows. Standardized assessments such as the SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement are expected this year, directly influencing student college applications. Despite these prolonged exams, students end up dedicating their summers to review. Although busy during their breaks, early preparation benefits numerous students by providing them with knowledge in advance. The leisure of summer break can still be found with busy agendas.
“I did it in weeks. I spent the first half of the summer [for] just work,” freshman Julian Henson said. “Then the second half of the summer I just had fun.”
Students have learned to readjust themselves to a healthy balance between work and fun, making the most of their time. Some block out parts of the day to study, leaving room to schedule other activities including outings and meetups with friends. In the end, summer break is no longer defined solely by relaxation, but by how each student chooses to balance commitments and individual pursuits.