Vacations are the sweetest part of a person’s life. Every student waits for these joyful moments. These days, when youngsters are stressed out, a vacation has become an essential part of his/her healthy growth. Parents who have been toiling along with their children throughout the year heave a sigh of relief.

This valuable time should not be idled away, but turned into a valuable investment in the growth of the youngster. A judicious spending of the vacation can help in rejuvenation, strengthening family bonds and enhancement of social relations. This time can be utilized for acquiring new skills and improving knowledge.

Here’s how you can make your summer vacation a fruitful one.

1. Indulge in physical exercise. Play your favourite game. Enrol in summer camps. This will enhance physical agility as well as mental alertness. Yoga camps are held in different places. The physical director of your school or college can help you to take assistance from the District Sports Authority.

2. Time spent with your grandparents becomes a sweet memory both for you and you grandparents. They will joyfully share with you their stories of the good old days and their life experiences.

3. Go an excursion or a pilgrimage with your family. This will refresh your mind, strengthen family bonds and improve social relations.

4. Visit an orphanage or a home for the destitute to inculcate compassion for the poor and the needy. You will realize how lucky you are and how you should be grateful to God and your parents.

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Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright, the famously-known Wright brothers, decided to try something different during their school vacations. After several attempts over the years, they finally succeeded in making the world’s first air-controlled and powered flight aircraft at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, USA, on 17 December 1903. It marked the era of aviation. Likewise, many artists, sports personalities and writers have begun their journeys to renown from doing something in their leisure or holiday time.

Your holidays could be a time to explore some creative things that you always wanted to try. You could use this time to explore some new places, to read some books you always wanted to read, try some new hobbies like painting, cooking, knitting, dancing,or learning some musical instruments and thereby discover and develop your hidden talents. Most of these hobbies can greatly increase your self-esteem and enthusiasm in life. Most successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Sundar Pichai recharge their lives by leveraging something they are already very passionate about. It increases the level of success and provides potential to improve their skills.

An excellent way to relax and regain your physical and mental energy is to initiate yourself into yoga and meditation during this vacation. Yoga is an exercise focused on your body’s natural resources for health and self-healing. It is designed to create strength, awareness and harmony within both the body and the mind.
Meditation is a process of training your mind to focus. It helps to reduce stress and to increase concentration. People who do meditation can often remember detailed tasks more accurately and it may even reverse patterns in the brain that contribute to mind-wandering and poor attention. Meditation can also lead to an improved self-image with a more general outlook increasing positive feelings, which then come out in our actions.

In the present issue of The Teenager Today, you will find the inspiring story of a young Mumbai boy, Prabhat Kohli, who started with a childhood hobby of swimming which eventually took him to the height of creating a world record on 3 March 2023 at the age of 23. This issue also narrates the exciting story of Vijay Luiz, swimming with orcas during his holidays. Other articles on the good habit of reading are meant to enrich your vacation in the coming weeks. Wish you a rejuvenating and exciting vacation!

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There’s magic in the air

Becoming a magician is no easy business, but there are folks waiting to pull out the Houdini hiding inside a kid. The Pali’s Magic Camp teaches kids not only to perform magic tricks but also to entertain an audience. Best of all, they can test what they have learned in front of an audience. How’s that for hands-on experience!

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It is the smart decisions that you make today that can change your life forever. As you begin your holidays you’ve got to have a firm determination to do something different to make it possible. Is there a way to spend your holidays that will make it truly meaningful and memorable? Can you think of doing something creative, something very different that will help boost your self-confidence, improve productivity, develop talents and chalk out the course your life takes? If you do, then you can anticipate with a smile the great benefit you will enjoy in the future. Attempt to do something you always wanted to do — it may be learning a skill, receiving some guidelines, or visiting a person or a new place.

The story is told of a poor man who once visited his friend who had become ‘king’. The king was happy to meet him and gave him a special pen as a gift. The friend was sad at getting such a small and apparently insignificant gift. Nevertheless, he took the pen and used it to write. Several years later, a wise man happened to see the pen and told him of how special that pen itself was: it had in it a map that would lead him to a very big treasure with which he could live the rest of his life like a king.

Could this holiday be the time when you find the key that can unlock some great treasure in your life which you will always be happy about and grateful for? If your decision and determination is like that of Neel Shekatkar’s, then you could rest assured that your holiday will perhaps determine the destiny of your life.
Let the various articles in this issue of The Teenager Today serve to guide you to make the right decisions in terms of time investment. TTT wishes you a holiday that is enjoyably memorable!

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The summer holidays are one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Although school life is amazing, the holidays are eagerly awaited by all. For some of you, it is that time of the year when you visit your grandparents’ home, and we all know how much fun we have there… village visits, tasty foods, fun games, and so on are part of the holidays. This endless list can also become productive if you include some of the below-mentioned activities in your fun schedule. You get enough time during your holidays which can be invested in self-development and being productive.

Best ways to spend your holidays

Journal writing: Writing a journal is a good habit that ideally should be developed from an early age. Writing helps in self-introspection, which is essential to know more about yourself. It will help you analyze your mistakes and help in your self-improvement. Writing a journal will help you spend time with yourself while being distraction-free. It will be beneficial in improving your mental health and emotional intelligence, boosting self-confidence, encouraging creativity, enhancing critical thinking skills, and in strengthening your communication and writing skills.

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Trust me when I say, I have been there, done that, mostly in the frittered away and squandered category. Suddenly the summer is upon you, the last day of school is over, the future stretches ahead of you, wonderful, “pressureless’, unmapped and unplanned. Nothing is demanded of you and you demand nothing of anyone else. Bliss!

Or is it? After the first three days of determinedly doing nothing, reality catches up. YOU may be on holiday, but are your parents as free as you? Chances are, if they are working, a vacation means two weeks of packing up the family and spending oodles of money just to get everyone out of the city, no matter how much it costs. Great for you, hard for them.

Then, what about your domestic help? Does your vacation mean more work for her because you have decided that you have earned all that free time, can sleep as late as you want and can generally be a nuisance. All because you have been (hopefully) doing what is your duty, including studying, passing exams and getting decent grades.

Believe me when I say that after three days of lolling around, you will begin to miss a structure to your day, even if the structure is formed around giving yourself a break and enjoying yourself. For then, you will realize that even enjoyment has many meanings, not all of them self-indulgent.

In the pages to come, we have a host of suggestions on what you could do during your vacation so that you look back upon them and say,” Hey, I was pretty good all round”. Sherene Aftab’s piece on 12 things to do to ensure you treat your free time wisely is a must read. And by the way, reading is one of them, besides practicing public speaking in front of a mirror, playing board games (definitely trendy), learning leisure time cooking, doing a bit of holiday homework and generally value-adding to your surroundings.

Pearl Mathias has an article on how important it is to reach out to each other, because loneliness is a real social disease and how much does it cost to be nice to someone! And Nidhika Bhal continues a long-running discussion on what it takes to be a leader.

I know the feeling – your summer holiday stretches ahead, every free minute a gold coin deposited in the Bank of Forever Freedom. You are determined to spend frugally, horde as much as you can for the future. But Time and Tide wait for no-one and the days don’t stand still while you make up your mind about what to do. So plan ahead.

Else you will be looking at a past holiday during which you don’t remember a single worthwhile thing you did!

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It is that time of the year when gruelling exams have finally given way to the last day of the semester. Students feel a mixed bag of emotions. Happy to not have to wake up early in the morning for school, and sad that they would miss their friends during the semester break.

The excitement often lasts for only a few days, and then the feeling of boredom sets in. Lack of routine and creative ideas to spend the vacation often results in waking up later than usual, distorted eating schedules, binge-watching TV shows, hours spent aimlessly in front of computer screens or mobiles. All these activities lack the much-needed intellectual and emotional stimulation that would encourage gainful experiences and keep boredom and routine at bay.

Let’s look at a few ideas on how you could spend your summer vacations doing intellectually-challenging and emotionally-stimulating activities. It is important to consider the following first, before you look at busying yourself with extra-curricular activities:

1. Reflecting on the past semester

This means that you take stock of your actions and your results of the past semester. Ponder over the questions that are listed below and devise suitable plans for the next semester.

How do I feel about my previous semester? Was the semester hard? Did I manage my time correctly? Did I balance my study and fun time?

Did I do well in my previous semester? If not, why? If yes, how do I continue to strive to do better every time?
Is there anything that I could improve about myself? Maybe I need to be more self-confident, maybe I need to be more assertive? Am I afraid of failing in a task?

2. Goal setting

This aspect focuses on taking “Actions”. While you thought over your previous semester, you may want to do a follow-up on your reflections. You may want to devise goals and plans to achieve in the next semester. You need to devise “Progress Goals” — a roadmap that helps you achieve your goals.

Example:

GOAL:

• “I want to become more confident at public speaking”.

PROGRESS GOALS:

• I will practise a speech every day in front of the mirror,
• I will then perform the speech in front of someone,
• If I make mistakes, I will not let myself get disheartened. I will try again.

Once you have devised Process Goals, you are more likely to feel geared towards achieving your goals. While you are at it, don’t forget to enjoy your vacations, too. Pick any of the recommended activities from the list mentioned below. Ensure that you pick activities that you would truly enjoy so that you are more likely to engage in them often. While you are at it, try to choose activities that incorporate social and physical activities as well. And these activities would help you enhance your personality and social skills.

1. Invest your time in card games, board games and jigsaw puzzles

These games are not only intellectually stimulating, but also encourage social interaction. You could request your parents for a ‘Fun-hour’ with them; it is a good way to encourage family time and bonding. You could also invite your cousins or friends over for a get-together to play a game of cards or board games.

2. Reading

The best way to begin is to pick your choice of topic (it could be current affairs, history, legendary icons, etc.). You could read and research that topic and have a discussion with your parents and siblings about your research. This would not only improve your knowledge, it would also encourage you to practise your verbal communication skills. Another way to develop your love for reading is to pick a fiction or non-fiction book and reflect on what you loved about that book or how that book has influenced you.

My top 5 non-fiction book recommendations:

• The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens by Stephen Covey
• The Success Principles by Jack Canfield with Janet Switzer
• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life by William H. McRaven
• How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

3. Gardening

Planting and gardening are activities that nurture your emotional well-being. Try to grow a coriander plant, a chilli plant, curry leaves plant, or germinate sprouts. These are the easiest to garden.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to cut fresh coriander leaves from your pot to add to your mom’s food?

Buy bags of potting soil, seeds and pots and make a fun and creative garden on your balcony or house lawn.

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Holidays offer a wealth of benefits that boost physical, mental and spiritual well-being.  They also improve relationships, work performance, productivity and spirituality. Just like machines, our brains and bodies also need refuelling and what better way to do so than going on a good holiday.

Holidays are like preventive medicine. Besides empirical benefits, there are several medical benefits too in going for a vacation. Research shows that holidays help you sleep better, reduce blood pressure, improve resilience, and make you feel better. Going to a sunny place helps you absorb more vitamin D and reap the benefits. Spending time near the sea will help you to inhale fresh, unpolluted air which is not easily available in the bustling over-crowded polluted cities.

Holidays not only improve physiological health but also enhance mental health. By going to a new place we break away from the monotony of our daily routine and make our brains think differently thus challenging and strengthening its power. People who go on holiday are less likely to become depressed, tense or tired. Holidays help you allow child in you to come out and enjoy life in a childlike, less complicated manner.

Holidays boost knowledge. The beautiful scenery and images of the vacation location are retained in our memory. The mind can visualize and draw upon these scenic and calm pictures when it wants to relax and take a break. Visualisation is a great way to boost mental prowess. Being away from our daily routine and comfort zone itself will boost our mental and physical energy, as we learn to do new things and also do things differently. Getting involved in various local fare and sports like hiking, swimming, water sports, bicycling, yoga, etc., we boost our skills and above all our self-confidence and sense of achievement. Student Chandan Sharma says, “I visited Chandigarh which has very scenic and beautiful places. They have exciting adventure sports, too. We learnt a lot about the local attractions like the Rock Garden in Chandigarh, the Hidimba temple, the local people and their lifestyles. Travelling boosts our knowledge and horizons.”

Family holidays strengthen the bond between family members by helping them to revamp, reconnect and revitalize relationships. Family members learn new skills, notice new thought processes, individual needs, stress areas, celebrate milestones, bond emotionally and strengthen their support system. Holidays also enhance interpersonal relationships. Despite the latest technology to connect with each other, families hardly have time to spend with each other physically. Actually meeting and connecting each other is a great stress-buster and helps members bond with each other. Teacher Nedra Moraes says, “We have visited 17 countries as a family till date. In 2015 we made a five-day trip to Hong Kong. We loved the big aquarium in Ocean Park and Disneyland. We also took a ride on the Peak Tram which offers the best view of the city. It was a learning experience and a great opportunity to bond and spend time exclusively with each other without the distractions and tensions of everyday life.”

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The best way to learn is by travelling. So this vacation, pack your bags for a learning experience that goes beyond classrooms.

M is here and with it comes the best ‘H’ word in the dictionary — Holidays! Whether you plan a trip with your family or friends, India has plenty to offer.

Lloyd D’Souza, a frequent traveller, suggests getting away from the scorching heat by journeying to the north of the country. “Dharamsala, Manali, Simla, and Ladakh should be on the top of your list if you’re looking for adventure, a taste of culture and to meet new people,” he says.

Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir

“Overlooking the sparkling blue Pangong Lake, an overnight camping trip is much-needed post a year of serious studying and exams,” suggests Neelu Singh, Director and CEO, Ezeego1.

Travel for: Endless discoveries. The unplugged landscapes, rich culture, dazzling blue lakes and exotic wildlife will have you wishing you could cancel your return ticket. Do not miss river rafting and visiting Ladakh’s monasteries. According to Karan Anand, Relationships Head, Cox & Kings, a visit to Sankar Gompa, Diskit and Spituk monasteries is a must.

Explore: The various colourful festivals at Thikse, Chemrey, Spituk and Matho. Daniel D’Souza, Head Sales, India and NRI Markets, SOTC Travel, suggests, “A yak safari to navigate your gang through the glacial valleys of Leh Ladakh.” Karan also recommends trying to spot the majestic Snow Leopard and riding out to explore the Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable road in the world.

Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is easily accessible to teenagers. “Take a train to Delhi, explore the capital for a bit and then simply hop onto a night bus to Dharamsala, Manali or Simla,” suggests Lloyd.

Dharamsala is “home to many Tibetan refugees”, Lloyd tells us; either their grandfather or father moved to Dharamsala years ago. If you’re someone who likes to chit-chat, you might find a lot of interesting stories here. Lloyd recommends scouting out good, but inexpensive accommodation once you reach Dharamsala, as you won’t find good deals online. “Once you arrive, spend the first hour or two looking for a good place to stay. You might have to shell out approximately Rs 3000 for something really fancy, while safe and clean accommodation is available for Rs 700. If you’re up for a little adventure, you could share a room for around Rs 200,” he shares.

You’ll also find a lot of international backpackers who’ve been on the go for six months or more. “Most of them are between the age group of 17 to 25 years; they’ve saved up money from internships or part-time jobs at restaurants and then take off to explore the world. Most, being solo travellers, are happy to share their stories with you,” adds Lloyd.

Travel for: A visit to Namgyal Monastery, where if you’re lucky you might get to see the Dalai Lama. Watch a 30-45 minute movie on the Tibetan refugees and learn interesting facts about them; their weapons, clothes and more are on display at the monastery’s museum. There are several other monasteries, shrines and temples that are worth a visit too.

Explore: Dharamsala’s cricket stadium that is surrounded by mountains. Also pop in at the tea estates and companies, where they show you how tea is packaged; you can buy some chai to share with your family back home.

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These days when I counsel students I notice that an ever greater number of young people are shedding the “lightness of being” of vacations and opting to utilize the summer productively. A summer well spent on doing a course or a job will not only give you an opportunity to meet other young people with similar interests but also give you an opportunity to learn without the pressure of exams. So let’s have a deeper look at what you will gain by having a productive summer.

Build your résumé

Ships in harbour are safe but that is not what ships are meant for. I know the simplest thing is go to college, have fun, attend classes, appear for the exams and, hey, end up with a good degree. But don’t forget one of the most frequently-asked questions by interview panelists is: “What is your experience?” Getting work experience while you are studying is as important as getting a good degree. Working hard does cut into your social time and sometimes study time but the insights you gain during the jobs are invaluable as well. The insights you gain can give you a roadmap to eventually being a good employee. Every employer’s dream is a young person with experience. It seems a little oxymoronish because if you are straight out of college then having work experience can be difficult. However, a summer job can rescue you from this conundrum since it can be added to your résumé to indicate that you have used your vacations wisely and gained some valuable experience. While you are working at your summer job don’t forget to keep a small log of all that you have done there and take the time to reflect about what you have learned from the experience. This practice of logging will stand you in good stead when you have to finally go for the job interview. If you have attempted the summer job well you will be able to give examples of work done well in your first job interview and land that awesome job.

Learn good work habits

In the workplace you are not only required to be technically sound, but also possess the ability to work in a team. A summer job is a great way of learning soft skills and building interpersonal relations which are important in the business world. During a summer job you can practise and demonstrate self-discipline, time management skills, the ability to work hard, etc. To maximize the benefits from the summer job it is important to take your job seriously and be earnest about the tasks allocated to you. Reaching the office on time, meeting deadlines and targets are great way of demonstrating to the employer that you are job ready. In fact, volunteering to do something extra in the work space is another great way of getting noticed and being allocated something more substantial. All employers ideally want candidates with initiative and willingness to work hard. There is always a chance if you do your summer job well then the employer might be tempted to hire you on a long-term basis.

Document your work with reference letters

When you are finally leaving the job don’t forget to request a recommendation letter. The recommendation letter should include the duration of your work in that company, the projects that you have been involved in and mention your tasks accomplished in the office.

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