text: Summer projects should be student-designed because students will be able to create a better balance between their free time and the time they spend working on their project. Studies show that the regular school year schedule of students being at school for eight hours per day and five days per week, paired with hours of homework every night, can result in various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Students need summer vacations in order to relieve themselves of the stress that the school year brings. Students entrusted with control over their summer projects will be able to allot a fitting amount of time to both their free time activities and their projects. Burnout can be greatly reduced by allowing students this freedom. Their personal health must be recognized as a priority and student-designed projects are the best way to do that.