We all can’t wait to be done with school and the stresses of the school year, but sometimes during the summer we may find ourselves with a little too much free time on our hands. Rather than spending every waking moment watching television or staring off into space, maybe we should try something new this summer.
Five young adults of the community share ways to stay productive during the summer holiday.
Paulo Sangalang studies jiu-jitsu at Gracie Barra during his free time.
“It’s a form of martial art that focuses on ground fighting. It’s similar to wrestling,” Sangalang tells Variety. “It is also referred to as grappling or rolling,” he adds.
When asked why he chooses to do this he says, “It’s good for my body. It’s a healthy physical activity. Also, it’s really good for my mind; it helps me focus.”
Also staying active outdoors, Justis Tenorio has taken up longboarding as a hobby.
“Whenever I’m free I try to skate with my friends,” he says.
He likes to cruise the streets and bomb hills which is “basically going downhill on the board,” he explains.
“I got into longboarding because it was something new to me that I hadn’t tried before. My friends really talked me into it. It’s a good way to spend time with your friends and stay active,” he concludes with a smile.
As for staying active indoors, Isabel Matsunaga spends at least an hour and a half each day, six days a week, working out to P90X at home.
“P90X is a 90-day fitness program. It’s basically 90 days of hard work; intense exercise and dieting,” she explains how the video program also includes a strict diet.
The exercises work out the whole body; each day focuses on a certain part of your body so you are able to mix things up.
“I wanted to make a lifestyle change and get healthy. I’m doing the program with my sister Christy. I’m hoping us doing it will influence our whole family to join in and be fit,” she adds enthusiastically.
Whe she’s not working, Camille Merrit tries to learn how to play the guitar and writes songs.
She currently has some original compositions including the graduation song for MHS class of 2009.
“I’ve always found it awesome when others could play an instrument so I wanted to be able to as well.”
Merrit, who has been singing since as long as she can remember, describes her hobby as “a good way to express yourself in music.”
Damien Delacruz chooses to spend most of his time working.
He is currently holding two part-time jobs; he works as a waiter and coffee-maker at Café at the Park and as a salesman at Skechers shoe store.
“I work to make money and to be a productive member of our community,” says Delacruz.
“Also, it’s great for gaining job experience,” he adds.
These are just a few of the many creative and prolific ways to spend your free time. Let’s see what you can think up!
