7 Ways to Make the Most of Post-COVID Summer!
By Peter M on Updated:
High school seniors have officially graduated, marking the end of what was probably the strangest school year in history. COVID forced education into the 21st century, opening our eyes to new ways of learning and teaching. Summer brings fresh start to learning, fun and relaxation. I’m sure we all could use that.
You probably will not have planned activities, camps or internships like previous summers. But we hope that you take this summer to get some much needed and well-deserved rest. However, this probably won’t be your typical summer filled with travel, camps, or internship opportunities. As stay-at-home orders are extended, and we struggle to comprehend what society’s new normal will look like, we hope you still enjoy your summer. So here are some ideas we have compiled for you to have a fun summer.
1. Join an Online Class
Attending classes to further your interests and passions is not only fun, but it looks great on college resumes, makes your time worthwhile, and is an interesting experience! You can do this through the several free online courses provided by great schools, including Ivy League Schools! Summer is a great time to learn something you always wanted to learn, or maybe fill some gaps left after this strange school year.
2. Learn a New Language
Whether you want to achieve proficiency to pass a language class from school, or simply try learning a new one, summer is the time to start. You can use apps like Duolingo or connect with a native speaker. Regardless of how you approach it, you’ll have the time in these upcoming sunny months.
3. Volunteer Remotely
There is an abundance of volunteer opportunities you can pursue just from your bedroom! Everything from translating and writing subtitles for TED talks to providing tutoring online will help you pass the time this summer while giving back to your community.
4. Create Something
Whether it’s food, soap, room decor, or a painting, an activity that is always fun and rewarding is making something with your hands. Food wise, summer is the time for cupcakes and popsicles! Bake something new and serve it to your family to have a fun backyard picnic. If baking and cooking is not your thing, try painting a new piece to hang up in your room. Whatever it is, try making something and see where your hands take you!
5. Read a Book (or two)
Book reading is a great way to keep yourself engaged, learn new stuff, and get entertained too. By reading only 6 books during summer, you can reduce your academic slip that usually happens during summer.
6. Clean/re-decorate your room
That pile of old clothes in the corner of your closet? It’s time to donate, upcycle, or get rid of them! That pile of old books collecting dust from years of sitting in the bottom drawer? It’s time to dust them off and put them on a bookshelf! In addition to cleaning out your room, you can also use this time to re-decorate and change up your aesthetic. Replace the fall tapestry with sky-blue paintings, take down the pictures of snow-covered… trees and give your room some fun summer colors!
7. Compile all your activities
It’s important to log all your activities so when time comes to apply to any application, you get a head start. A FREE Cirkled In profile allows you to capture and showcase ALL your activities including summer activities. If you are a rising senior, you may even want to get organized on your college application. You can research colleges, think about your essay topics, and even take virtual tours to “visit” these colleges.
Bonus Tip: Exercise: There is nothing like feeling fit, healthy and energetic. You may be able to run on your neighborhood trails, do cardio exercises in our bedroom or take online free yoga classes and learn how to control your mind and body.
This summer may feel like a drag with many social distancing rules still in place and summer camps being cancelled, but see the circumstances as an opportunity to grow! You have two months of time just for YOU to learn, grow, and achieve. The resources are out there waiting for you- now it’s up to you to go get started!