LIFE

While binge-watching Netflix can be fun, do you want to do it all summer? Check out these five ways to help you make the most of your summer.

1. Find a new hobby
If you're tired of doing the same old thing, then finding a new hobby might be perfect for you. It's always fun to learn to do new things and you might find something you really enjoy. Try searching Pinterest or Google for a new hobby that you can try and impress your friends with. 

2. Research colleges
It's never to early to start researching colleges—it takes a lot of planning. You can start simple and try to decide what kind of college you want to go to. Big or small? Close to home or halfway across the country? Think about what kind of clubs or organization you are looking to join in college and where those are available. 

3. Dig up scholarships
College can be *very* expensive, so it's important that you look for scholarships. There are a lot of them out there—you just have to find them. Every little bit helps and you'd be surprised with what you can actually win. The more you apply for, the more you money you could receive (and who doesn't like free money?).

4. Get a job
More work—ugh, right? You can actually find a lot of fun jobs over the summer (they're not all taken!), like at a pool or at a snowball stand. It'll get you out of the house and you'll meet new people. It'll also get you some work experience, which is always a *great* thing to get while you're young. With a job, you can finally stop begging mom and dad for some money to go out with your friends. 

5. Plan some day trips 
Maybe you can't go on a vacation this summer, or one week with the fam just isn't enough. Day trips are the perfect solution to your probs. Get some family or friends—or maybe both!—and plan some day trips. You can go to fun places that you've never seen before in your state, or find destinations a little bit further out for something even more fun! 

What are your favorite things to do to make the most of your summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

by Natalie Bland | 7/8/2017