A Senior's Guide to Quarantine
- Drew Carcellar
- Aug 10, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 16, 2020
For most of you, quarantine hasn't been the best experience. I feel you. Since the start of this pandemic, we've just been given too much free time since we've been stuck at home. It's boring since there is nothing much to do. Quarantine itself isn't really a bad thing. There is a positive aspect to this self-isolation during times like these. Think of it as a chance to plan ahead, become productive and be able to grab more opportunities. I've listed several ways to keep myself from being bored during this. You could read this to get some inspiration of what you can do.
1. Joining Summer Competitions
This may sound stressful at first, but it really isn't. These programs are hosted virtually, and there are numerous ones to choose from! You get to learn about a specific topic, expand your network and potentially, win prizes. It is a chance to compete and learn from people who have expertise on a certain field. This summer, I was given the chance to be part of an entrepreneurial competition with several people from school. We were tasked to create our own business that promotes social change and persuade people to invest in it. This was the first program I was part of this summer and I would recommend that you try something like this too! There are competitions out there, you could easily find them. Even though summer's almost over, you could still find some of these. There are still numerous chances!
2. Participate in Different Programs
Summer programs are also held online, and there is more variance. Though you might not be paid for joining, the experience is still worth and usually more memorable. You get to connect with people across the nation, and even overseas. There are seminars and fun activities that you would be part of as well. In my case, I joined a program call the "Asian Diversity Inclusion Summer Program" or ADISP in short. The program fosters leadership and empowers AAPI youth through their weekly sessions and projects on AAPI social issues. We were even given mentors (luckily, I was assigned to the best one). This was a way for me to be part of a larger community and meet amazing people, who I'd love to meet in person. You should try joining a summer program during quarantine. It isn't a waste of time since you'll meet someone new and learn from these people.
3. Volunteer or Get a Job!
This is one thing I would absolutely recommend. You get community involvement or work experience by doing either one of this. It gives people motivation and interaction, some things that we lack during quarantine. Not only that but you could be able to spend time with your friends, virtually, and get paid as well. Quarantine is the perfect time to do this since everything is held virtually. One of my experiences would be volunteering for my school's Summer Bridge Program. I was able to reconnect with many of my friends through the daily meetings we had for two weeks. It was a chance for us to meet the incoming Class of 2024, play online games and catch up with each other. Community service or getting a paid position would be beneficial for you!
4. Enroll in a Course/Class
You get advantages, whether you take an advanced class in a community college, or take a review course for the SAT. Classes held by community colleges would help you make up for credit, while boosting your GPA and completing your A-G requirements. Review courses are helpful, especially if you're considering to take the SAT, Subject Tests or ACT. I've been enrolled in an SAT Review Course with Tutor Ted. At first it seems like a lot, but I've noticed an increase in my practice test scores and efficiency. These courses are available to everyone. Enrollment is easy, and there are ways to get waivers too. There are numerous classes out there so don't waste that chance!
5. Start on your College Apps
I can assert on how important this is. I've been repeatedly told that the summer before senior year is your chance to make yourself look unique; you should utilize this to be part of summer programs and start on your applications. The Common App is just an example of this. There are sites for CalStates, UCs and Community Colleges too. Seniors should take advantage of this quarantine during the summer to begin with these. You could also begin signing up for scholarships (ex. The Gates Scholarship, etc.). It would lessen your workload during the school year so you can focus on academics and extra-curriculars.
Taking advantage of your free time during this prolonged time of quarantine is a step to becoming successful. Quarantine shocked us all at first, but it can create better results for all of us. The only thing left to do is to take action!
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