<p>I will be graduating from high school in a few months and realized that I have been focusing so much on what I want to do in college, that I have not given any thought to this summer. I am excited about various internship and study abroad opportunities that I will have in college, but it seems like most things are only open to college students.</p>
<p>I would very much like to get involved with more serious activities instead of spending time with friends or relaxing, and I thought that some of you may have experience with programs that your own children have been involved with. I realize that I do not have any real "skills" as of yet, however I am willing to learn and work hard.</p>
<p>All I know is, Im going to be doing the same thing I've done the past three summers...work at a day camp!</p>
<p>I really suggest it. It is nothing but relaxing. 50 hour weeks with thiry 6-year olds. Ive learned more out of life from working with kids than what any class has taught me. I wrote my Barrett App. Essay on this too. Since you live in AZ, I can tell you about some good camps.</p>
<p>If you can, try to get a volunteering position abroad. A lot of organizations are willing to take younger students on, and you'll learn so much and have a great time in a foreign country as well. I'm not sure what you're interested in, exactly, but there are so many nonprofits in every single field that I'm sure you can find one whose work interests you.</p>
<p>doublespresso: I'm open to a variety of fields, but if possible I'd love to go to China, Japan, or Europe. Can you suggest any websites that I could start with?</p>
<p>christalena: Thanks for the suggestion, one of the main things I do want is to get out and experience the world though.</p>
<p>^^ My best friend went on a summer excursion to Peru last summer and helped build homes and give out food and everything. She is going to Nicaragua in a few weeks.</p>
<p>It also depends on what school you are going to. If you are intending to do extremely well in an Ivy once you get there, I would apply for a summer program at a top-tier school and take some classes there. </p>
<p>Another thing I would consider is taking a break. You have worked hard for a really long time, and you most likely deserve one. </p>
<p>You can also, like weenie suggested, take up a job. I do not, however, recommend that you go to the local meat-packing plant and get a job. Instead, try something interesting. Apply for a internship at your local DA's office, hospital, or DJ for a radio station.</p>
<p>What is wrong with going to the local meatpacking plant -- or restaurant, retail store, amusement park, day camp, etc.? They hire high school students. Not everything that you do needs to be geered to getting a high-powered job after college. Mixing with the hoi polloi sometimes might be a good idea, and many employers really like seeing those kinds of jobs on a resume.</p>
<p>I worked retail last summer and have no desire to do so again, nor do I wish to work at other such jobs - they aren't overly interesting and I'd rather learn something new or develop myself than make a little extra money.</p>
<p>The problem is finding an interesting job, but I'll look into the DA's office.</p>
<p>slyvt- you are exactly right. I got my first (very good) entry level job at a corporation known for only hiring 4.0 superstar business students, because the guy hiring me was impressed with all the jobs I'd done during college- lifeguard, barmaid, dental assistant, retail, data entry, etc. My credentials didn't match to most of my peers but he told me he liked the fact that it appeared I didn't mind working and hired me anyway.</p>
<p>Newsflash -- HS kids, even those who have been accepted to elite colleges --don't necessarily have a lot to offer an employer. In fact, even after your first year of college, you may not be in line for "fun", well-paying jobs. That's called Real Life. My son is currently a sophomore at an Ivy. He worked at a local supermarket between HS and college, and at another retail store between freshman and sophomore year. He is now working as a research assistant, while making decent money, but he had to earn his way to that. </p>
<p>Even if you don't have the financial need to work, a young person can learn more about life by putting in some time in some less prestigious places.</p>
<p>BusinessGuy, do you really think that your parents are engaged in "interesting, fun" jobs? Trust me, there are enough aspects of any job that make them boring and not fun. (That's why it's called work.) But they do it because they have a family to support.</p>
<p>Do you also expect that they will pay for your education? Then prehaps you can begin helping them by earning a "little extra money."</p>
<p>Businessguy, my magic ball tells me you're going to get rained on for your post#13. The tone suggests a little self centeredness and perhaps a pinch of arrogance. Not sure if that's really the image you meant to present. Anyway, the business world does not always offer entertaining and inspiring tasks 24/7. If you go into the professional world with that kind of expectation, you're going to be sorely disappointed.</p>
<p>Any summer job will look good on your resume. My kid worked at a warehouse and fast food place during high school/summer before college.
Nothing like long hours, low pay, and hard physical labor in 120* heat to make you appreciate the privilege of going to college.</p>
<p>I agree with the get a job mob. My D plans to get a job to get some spending money saved for college. If she can't get a job that relates to her possible career choice (which has changed recently) she is also planning to try and volunteer part time somewhere to see if it really is something she will enjoy.</p>