Suddenly, you find yourself going home for the summer or staying in Ames – not what you were expecting after an internship or job didn’t work out.

If your summer plans aren’t what you had in mind, don’t let it get you down. Instead, try to make the best of the situation.

Attitude is a determining factor in how your summer goes, said Marty Martinez, staff psychologist at Student Counseling Services.

“A big part of what’s going to make your summer successful and productive is your attitude,” Martinez said.

If you didn’t get that internship you’d been vying for, recognize that this happens to many students.

“Hopefully, you can feel some empathy in that a lot of students go through that,” Martinez said.

Do not take the rejection personally and realize that you are going to get shot down a few times, Martinez said.

“Nothing out there should help determine our sense of worth,” Martinez said. “Knowing what we’re good at is by our efforts.”

Back-up plans are important to make when an internship or job doesn’t work out.

“This gives you freedom. You’ve got freedom to look at other options,” Martinez said.

When his internship didn’t go through for the summer, Aaron Neville, junior in aerospace engineering, found himself staying in Ames.

Neville is taking a class, tutoring and is in the process of finding a job, as well as doing research projects. Neville has advice for students in the same situation.

“Look for a job early,” Neville said.

Not finding an internship doesn’t have to be a negative.

The summer can provide a time to relax and refresh you for fall.

If you are interested in applying for an internship next summer, Martinez said learn what you can do to improve.

“I would encourage them to contact the business and get honest feedback how they were assessed by the company,” Martinez said.

“That’s really a healthy, professional thing to do.”

One downer about the summer can be returning home and living under your parents’ roof, which can be difficult after living on your own.

Be respectful of and mature about your parents’ home and rules.

If your parents have a curfew for you, talk to them about it and why they can trust you, instead of simply objecting to it. This shows them your maturity, Martinez said.

Martinez said making the most of the situation begins with having a good attitude.

Acknowledge the downsides but be proactive by making plans to visit Ames or plan a trip with friends.

Look at the positives of home like being with family and seeing old friends. Remember, you may not have many more chances to live at home for a whole summer. Martinez said to remind yourself that “I’ll be able to do things I’ll never be able to do again.”

Set time aside to spend time with your parents, whether it’s lunch or hanging out and keep distractions to a minimum – turn off your cell phone.

“Don’t just be a boarder in your parents’ home – continue to be a family member,” Martinez said. “In the long run, you’ll appreciate it.”

Sometimes it can be stressful going home if your family doesn’t get along the greatest or communicate.

“Give it a try and communicate,” Martinez said.

“Talk about things – how we can make it a happy and healthy summer as possible.”

However, if things are not working out living at home, Martinez said to have another plan, such as living with a friend in town.

“Make sure you’re involving yourself in healthy environments,” Martinez said.