So, the summer has come to a close, have you done a List Evaluation?

#TeenEssay

I must say these past months proved far better than the summer of 2022. Last year I was bored and lying upside down on my bed, just wondering what to do with my life (okay that was a bit dramatic).

But this year was different:

I went to a writing workshop for two weeks at Smith College in North Hampton, MA,
traveled to Sun River and swam with my friends,
worked at Jamba Juice,
and many other things that will bore you.
I even read the classic Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
and re-read Ocean Vuong (if you had a chance to see him read at Powells in early June then you are a very lucky person).
I was exposed to so many short stories, essays, forgotten poets, and the great wonders of sound poetry—which is worth the listen if you have the chance and the bravery.

What is a List Evaluation?

Now, by this point you have read my summer in list form. And this is a similar process to how I end all my summers: the List Evaluation.

How did the things I experienced this summer affect me?
What things should I try to incorporate next year?

I encourage you to debrief this summer—don’t worry, you have until September 22 (the official beginning of Autumn). And since I feel like in most of my writing I assign little tasks, I will also make an updated list on the night of September 21st.

I too will count my blessings and think of all the good. But I know there are also not so pleasant parts of summer too. If you have the will, try writing those unpleasant things down.

Next step is to find a trend: was there a person, a place, or action that brought you down? Make note, draw, or journal the negative and positive feelings, and then carefully stow it away for next summer. This process always helps me close the summer before heading into the school year.

It’s a perfect time to acknowledge the little chapters in my life and take seasonal inventory.

Elisabeth Dellit is an 11th Grader at Jesuit High School. She enjoys reading, writing creative stories, baking/cooking and participating in her school’s drama program.