Many students see their inability to get a job or internship this summer as a negative. This is far from the truth. In fact, not being tied down this summer could lead to one of the greatest experiences of your life.
We always tell ourselves we're going to do one thing or another before we die. More often than not, our time on Earth comes to an end and many of those dreams are left unfulfilled.
I suggest using this summer to knock out many of them at once.
Consider hitchhiking across the United States this summer.
If you have a free three months ahead of you, make the most of it by starting in your hometown, hitchhiking to one ocean, then the other, before finally making it back again. What happens along the way will be a lifetime of memories.
There's a difference from merely walking along the side of the road with your thumb out and having an experience. Doing the latter requires extra effort.
Before setting out, make sure to pick the places you want to see. Getting rides can make the route sporadic, but mapping out specific destinations is a good way not to miss any important American sights. Make sure to buy an atlas, which will contain exit numbers and rest stops. Large truck stops are great places to eat, rest, shower, charge a cell phone and hitch a ride.
It's extremely dangerous and usually illegal to hitchhike on the interstate so pick a well-travelled state or U.S. highway instead. US Highway 50 goes across America, spanning 3073 miles from Sacramento, Calif., to Ocean City, Md.
Make yourself look clean and presentable. You don't want to scare any potential rides. It is best to hitchhike outside of a busy city. And make sure you select a road that goes the same direction you want to go.
Hold a sign that clearly states where you want to go. You are more likely to attract a ride heading in your direction if you let the drivers know where you are going. Make sure your sign is cardboard so it holds up in inclement weather and has large black letters with only one or two words.
These days, almost everything costs money, and living on the road is no different. There is a way to make your dollar go farther, though.
You can stretch a food budget by getting meal items from grocery stores instead of restaurants. You can also sleep at homeless shelters or hostels for little to no cost. When planning out how much money to take with you, keep in mind the cost of living varies greatly in different areas of the United States.
Along those same lines, make sure you have more than one way to get money. Give at least two relatives you trust access to your funds back home. Most U.S. cities have Western Union offices. If you get in a jam, you can simply make a phone call to get back on track. Getting a replacement debit card takes a week or more.
This trip can be turned into a moneymaker as well. Before embarking, pick up a new craft that can be done easily on the road. This could be anything from whittling to knitting to making beaded jewelry. Sell these for some spare dough either online via eBay or in person.
Another way to make money is to busk. Busking is to entertain by dancing, singing or reciting in a public place. The people you see outside subway stations are buskers. Take your guitar or violin on your trip. Setting up outside farm stands, flea markets and sporting events can bring in some serious amounts of cash.
Of course, if you're talentless, you could always just stop into the nearest temp agency for a job lasting just a few days.
At each major stop you make, buy a postcard and journal your experience before sending it to yourself back home. Take along a small digital camera to take pictures of the places you see and the people you meet. At the end of the trip, everything can be bundled together and made into a book. Maybe you'll have the next best-seller.
Also at each major stop, between exploring, working and journaling, make sure to volunteer to help others. Life's greatest memories come from helping others. So you can assume helping others while on an amazing adventure can only result in something even more amazing.
While on the road, make sure to absorb the culture by trying the local foods and listening to the local music. Not only will you appreciate food and music more, you might be inspired to bring home a recipe or style and incorporate it into your life or the lives of those around you.
Do remember hitchhiking can be extremely dangerous, so use extreme caution.
Why sit on your couch playing video games all summer long when you could see the Rocky Mountains and swim in the Atlantic Ocean instead? Use this summer to check something off your bucket list and create a story to tell you grandkids some day. You won't regret it.
Read More
Capital Chronicle: U.S. House Republicans aim to ban state-level AI laws for 10 years
By Indiana Capital Chronicle / 2 hours agoA footnote in a budget bill U.S. House Republicans are trying to pass before Memorial Day is the first major signal for how Congress may address artificial intelligence legislation, as they seek to create a moratorium on any AI laws at the state level for 10 years.
IPR: Muncie Community Schools launches ‘freshman academy’ to ease transition into high school
By Indiana Public Radio / 17 hours agoMuncie Central High School is beginning a “freshman academy” to ease the transition for middle school students.
Ball State breaks Into top spot for Sports Media in 2025 National Rankings
By Ball State Daily / 21 hours agoBall State's programs earned multiple honors in this year's BEA festival, including top placements for video features, live production, and on-air talent. In total, Ball State students won nine individual awards in sports categories, contributing to the university’s rise from last year’s No. 2 position and securing the top spot for the first time.
