what to do the summer before college | 10 Things I Did After Graduating High School

The final piece of advice is to prioritize rest and relaxation after the intensity of high school. The summer is an ideal time to take a well-deserved break, have fun, and work on self-improvement to build good habits that will set a positive tone for college.

The speaker advises celebrating graduation by engaging in senior year activities like prom and school events, documenting these memories with photos. It's also crucial to thank teachers, counselors, and others who provided support, through letters, gifts, or direct conversations. The speaker nominated a teacher for the Yale educator award as an example of expressing gratitude.

Establishing a routine of physical activity, such as going to the gym, walking, dancing, or playing sports, is highly recommended. The speaker highlights the benefits of exercise for energy, confidence, and overall well-being, especially during the relaxed summer months. He recounts going to the gym daily with friends, motivating each other.

Working part-time during the summer is a great way to earn money and prepare for college expenses like tuition and textbooks. The speaker worked at a restaurant and used his savings to buy a new laptop for college. He also points out that many colleges, including Yale, offer grants for first-generation, low-income students for essential items like laptops, urging viewers to take advantage of such opportunities.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with friends, whether it's hanging out at home, visiting amusement parks, or going to the movies, as these friendships may change as everyone embarks on different life paths. Equally important is spending time with family, as college will mean being away from home for extended periods.

The video encourages trying new things like YouTube, TikTok, or other digital endeavors as a side hustle or creative outlet. Additionally, participating in college pre-orientation programs, like the Yale FOOT program (hiking), is a great way to meet new people and ease the transition into college life.