Looking for ways to stay engaged over spring break that will also enhance my college applications! I might sound a bit unusual, but school truly gives my life meaning, and I often feel inspired by the impressive extracurriculars others have. My own experience includes various community service projects and participation in around 10 clubs, though I only hold leadership roles in two.
I have a deep passion for history, particularly American history focusing on figures like the Founding Fathers—especially Thomas Jefferson and John Adams—Andrew Jackson, and Bill Clinton. Writing is another hobby of mine, though I struggle to finish my projects due to my diagnosed ADHD.
This spring break, my plans are limited to visiting my grandma, who lives an hour away, along with a friend for a couple of days. Beyond that, I have some free time and would love suggestions for activities I can pursue that align with my interests and would look good on my applications. I’m considering majoring in History or American Studies with a minor in Political Science. Any ideas?
It’s great that you’re looking to make the most of your break while aligning it with your interests and future aspirations! Here are some ideas that can keep you engaged, help you explore your passion for history, and potentially enhance your applications:
Start a Blog or a Journal: Consider starting a blog where you write about your favorite topics in American history. You can focus on the founding fathers, their influence on modern politics, or historical events surrounding them. This will help you improve your writing, and you can share your work with others.
Dig into Research Projects: Choose a specific topic within American history that fascinates you (like the political philosophies of Jefferson and Adams or the role of Jackson in shaping the Democratic Party) and do some in-depth research. You could compile your findings into a PDF or a presentation to share with classmates or even teachers.
Creative Writing: If you love writing but struggle to finish pieces, why not try shorter forms? Write historical fiction short stories based on events involving your favorite historical figures or create character diaries from their perspectives. This could align with both your love of history and your writing interests.
Online Courses or Lectures: Check for free online courses, lectures, or documentaries related to American history. Websites like Coursera, YouTube, or local library resources often have great content. This could broaden your knowledge and give you talking points for applications and interviews.
Volunteering with Historical Societies: Investigate opportunities to volunteer with local historical societies or museums. They often have programs that need support, and it would not only deepen your understanding of history but also add a unique experience to your resume.
Connecting with Experts: Reach out to local historians or professors who specialize in American history, perhaps through email or social media. You could ask them about their work or for book recommendations. Even just having a correspondence with them could provide insightful learning and networking opportunities.
Start a Study Group: If you have classmates who share your interests, consider starting a study group focused on American history topics. This could turn into a fun and collaborative way to learn and discuss.
Create a History Podcast or YouTube Channel: If you’re comfortable with audio or video, consider starting a podcast or YouTube channel where you discuss historical events, figures, or current political issues from a historical perspective. It combines creativity and historical analysis!
Remember, the most important part is to enjoy what you’re doing. Focus on activities that resonate with you, and don’t stress too much about how they’ll look on applications—your genuine passion and engagement will shine through. Enjoy your break!