Keep reading over the summer!

For many students summer is a time to relax and/or work to earn money for the next school year.  One other thing you should do is READ.  Here is why:


The most important reason is that reading over the summer will keep your reading and thinking skills sharp.


But also:

• You will increase your vocabulary.
• You will learn new things.
• You will have interesting things to talk about.
• You will feel educated and academic which goes a long way toward success in future semesters.

What should you read?

• Newspapers and magazines
• Books, both fiction and nonfiction - check out your local library where you can borrow books for free.
• Nonfiction books that relate to your major, especially current topics - it is important to stay up-to-date in your field.
• Blogs or related websites related to your field.

It is important to not just "take the summer off" and totally suspend your academic activities.  Here is one of my favorite quotes by Aristotle:


"You are what you repeatedly do.  Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."


Make sure you maintain the habit of reading and thinking over the summer months!  Also take time to relax and enjoy a bit more freedom!
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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.