LIFE

As you fall into the rhythm of the second semester, the relaxing, sun-soaked months of June and July might feel ages away. But, as Ferris Bueller once said, "Time moves pretty fast." Soon you'll be bikini-clad, stretching out on a beach towel with a non-school assigned read in hand. And while summer can be a great reset from a stressful school year, it can also be the perfect time to explore new opportunities. We're here to help you maximize your summer and manifest the perfect resume-ready activities to add to your agenda.

Jobs

@thesummeriturnedpretty

The number one way to keep busy *and* make a little cash this summer? Getting a summer job! There are many options for teens regarding part-time work from June to August. If you're a strong swimmer, consider pulling a Jeremiah Fisher (or Gabriella Montez) and trying out to be your local pool's lifeguard. (Pro tip: Make sure to check the requirements beforehand, since some pools may only accept 16 and over applicants *or* require you to be CPR certified.) Other ideas include working at a camp, grocery store or fast food joint. If you're interested in working for a particular place (say, your fave local art supply store), consider turning on job notifications from them on a site like Indeed. 

Programs

If you're looking for a summer activity to help you prep for college or learn more about a certain field, a high school-oriented program might just be for you. Think of teen summer programs as more academic, experience-focused camps. They're typically hosted by colleges, museums or organizations. Doing a quick search on Google can help you find compiled lists of high school summer programs (such as this one). Keep in mind that while there are some programs that are free or offer scholarships (typically based on academic performance and essay writing), others might fall on the pricier side. 

Internships

@rorixgilmore

Internships are often times directed toward the college-aged demographic, but if that isn't you, don't fear! Some companies specifically seek out high school students as interns, so whether you're looking to gain expertise in a lab or in film production, there's a good chance you can find one that works for you with just a little bit of internet deep diving. However, not all internships are paid, so if making money this summer is your top priority, a job might be a better option. 

Volunteering

If you're a tween or younger teen looking to stay busy this summer, volunteer work might be perfect for you. When it comes to volunteering, there are a plethora of options available, making finding a prospect you're passionate about fairly simple. Animal shelters, libraries, food banks and community gardens are all viable options, and some places may even have departments entirely devoted to tween/teen volunteers. (Helping your community *and* making friends in the process? Yes please!) Volunteering can also be a great activity to add to future resumes when you're applying for jobs, internships and/or colleges.

Classes

@nostalgiafreak

Sure, a three-month break is a chance to lie back and live in the moment, but it can also be a chance to forget just about everything you learned over the past year. Whether you're looking for a brain boost to keep your intellect sharp or want to get ahead academically, a summer class might be the perfect fit. Schools often offer their own summer classes, but if yours doesn't, you can also look into taking a community college course. Summer classes are typically more rigorous because of the condensed time table, so taking more than two can be a majo commitment. If you do decide to take a community college class, keep in mind that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for the class itself, as well as for materials such as textbooks. 

No matter how you decide to optimize your summer, remember to have fun in the process. Now, go get those applications in!

Tell us how you're spending the summer on Twitter @girlslifemag!

Slider image: @rorixgilmore
GIFs via GIPHY

by Madeline Morrow | 2/22/2023