During the last week of June, it is impossible to walk around the halls of HHS without feeling the buzz of summer excitement. All month, students have been working hard preparing for finals, waiting for the release that comes with summer vacation.

After a year of following a rigid schedule, students are finally able to break free and choose how they spend their time. Activities can range from family vacations to preparing for future careers to even just staying in Hillsborough.

Senior Ankita Sibal is celebrating her graduation by taking a family trip to Italy. While there, she will spend 10 days overseas visiting Rome, Naples, and Florence. According to Sibal, the Colosseum tops the list of attractions she wants to see, and of course she has high expectations for the cuisine.

“I’m definitely most looking forward to the food,” Sibal said. “I’ve always been so interested in Italian culture so I can’t wait to go.”

Those who aren’t traveling abroad are jumping at local opportunities for career experience. Juniors Zain Moin and Gina Clementi will both be shadowing doctors to learn the ins and outs of jobs in medicine.

Moin, who is planning on shadowing Dr. Cheema Asad at a private practice in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, will focus on learning the intricacies of cardiology.

“It’s going to be amazing to be immersed in the field I want to go into,” Moin said. “I can’t think of a more interesting way to spend my summer.”

While some are traveling the world and others are exploring careers, many are spending their break in town. Even if you’re not going away, you can still make the most of your summer right here in Hillsborough.

“Hillsborough is a great place to be,” junior Kaley Murday said. “Even though I’m not going anywhere I know I’m still going to have a good time.”