Summer is more than just a break from school; it’s a time when students explore who they are and what they want to become. With the structure of the school year on pause, students use these months to pursue activities that push them outside their comfort zones. Travel sports, internships and study abroad programs are three of the most common ways students turn summer into a season of growth.

Travel sports are one of the most exciting summer commitments. Teams spend weekends on the road competing in tournaments, giving athletes a chance to challenge themselves against tougher competition. These experiences bring teammates closer together and create memories that last far beyond the season. Long bus rides, hotel stays and late-night games are just as important as the wins and losses because they shape friendships and strengthen determination. “I love being away from home to make new memories and play the game I love, sometimes down in Florida, and also for a maximum stretch of 15 days,” senior baseball player Kai Schmelzer said.

Internships offer another path for students looking to make their summers meaningful. Working in a professional environment, even for a short time, can shift how someone sees their future. Internships teach responsibility, time management and communication in a way that classrooms can’t replicate. The experience of being trusted with real tasks allows students to feel like they’re part of something bigger, while also giving them confidence in their abilities. “Working in a bank this summer taught me what it is like to be in the workforce and start to get a proper foundation of what it is like to work a real job,” senior Mia Coven said.

Study abroad programs open doors to experiences that few other opportunities can match. Living in a new country for several weeks exposes students to different languages, traditions and daily life. It can be overwhelming at first, but students return home with a stronger sense of independence and perspective. Whether it’s trying unfamiliar foods, navigating a new city, or making friends from another culture, study abroad stretches students to grow in ways they never expected. “Living in Canada for three weeks this summer and in Spain for a month last summer really showed me what it is like to fend for myself and be independent. Although I was in a program, nighttimes were to ourselves and I was responsible for making the most of that time, and I learned a lot about myself and also different cultures,” senior Bryson Filbert said.

Although travel sports, internships and study abroad programs seem different, they all share a common thread: each provides a chance to grow beyond the classroom. Students come back from these experiences with more confidence, more clarity about their future and more stories to tell. Summer is often thought of as a time to relax, but can also become a season of discovery and personal transformation.