<p>I feel like nothing is going right this summer. I was supposed to volunteer at a lab in the university, but no one is getting back to me on this! :( & I talked to the local MPP about volunteering with her... no response yet. I am volunteering, but I feel like it's not enough. I want to go abroad to volunteer for a few weeks but my parents aren't on board with the idea. I'm shooting for admission to top 10/top 20 schools so I need this summer to be productive. Last year I volunteered as well, in India also since I was visiting family there. </p>
<p>What should I do over the summer in case these plans don't work out? Lately I've been busy with studying but that can all be managed as well. PLEASE... I'd really appreciate any input at all. I'm just really sad the lab thing didn't work out. :(</p>
<p>Breathe. Getting into a top 10 college is not going to make or break your life.</p>
<p>You said you were volunteering now. Why isn’t it enough? I see it as, if you are helping somebody in any way, it is enough. </p>
<p>Volunteering abroad sounds really nice (always wanted to help in Africa :)), but it is totally not necessary. I’m sorry the lab thing didn’t work out-maybe it’s a sign you should focus on your studies more.</p>
<p>Have you thought about relaxing this summer? It sounds like you need it. Harvard is not going to accept you cause you were demining bombs in Afghanistan in your junior summer. They want to accept you because of ‘you’. :)</p>
<p>Demining bombs would be a serious hook though. I say keep trying and don’t take no for an answer. You have nothing to lose but some annoyed parents.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot, guys. Tofugirl, I would relax if I could. I just can’t bear the feeling of not doing something useful. That’s part of why I need all of this to work out. I hate wastage. </p>
<p>109111 – Actually, I think if my efforts pay off my parents won’t be annoyed at all. I really just want to be proud of me… also part of why I need this. I love your way of looking at… I’m scared but I get your point so I’m going to call the MPP now. :)</p>
Tofugirl, I would relax if I could. I just can’t bear the feeling of not doing something useful. That’s part of why I need all of this to work out. I hate wastage. </p>