As summer approaches, many students are seizing the opportunity to apply for programs, internships and jobs. Some students have found strategies for completing college applications, strengthening social skills and more.

Counselor Oscar Martinez mentioned the importance of productivity during the summer due to college examinations.

“Gone are the days where 4.0 students stand out and are the most qualified for a big university,” Martinez said. “Now they want students who have a good GPA but also volunteer or are doing extracurriculars, sports, are involved in their community, starting a club or even being an officer in a club.”

Along with one’s academic achievements, Martinez believes one way to appeal to college applications and stay active in the summer is to help those in their community.

“People like helping others who are helping each other,” Martinez said. “Schools want the best, and the best are those who are helping by making their community and world a better place.”

Along with the opportunities for one’s future, Martinez explained summer is also a time to discover one’s interests.

“If they (a student) already have an idea of what they want, it’s about focusing and investing their time towards that activity,” Martinez said. If they don’t know what they want, it (summer) is a great opportunity to know what’s out there.”

Martinez recommended students pursue their interests and possible occupational routes to discover where their subject or career-related passions lie and gain experience in those areas.

“What will help students be successful is volunteering at something they want to do,” Martinez said. “If they already have an idea of what they want, it’s about focusing and investing their time towards that activity.”

In addition to volunteering, freshman Isabel Antony is applying to programs, including the Rosetta Institute and the California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science, to pursue her passion for neuroscience in a hands-on manner.

“Anyone can do school time, but summers are the chance where you can gain other types of experiences,” Antony said.

Antony shared that in order to be accepted, she had to start applying as early as January. After discovering multiple programs, she found many of the applications required personal interest essays.

“I tried to write something that showed why I would be the best candidate and why I would fit their (the program’s) mold the best,” Antony said.

Along with volunteer programs, many students have sought job opportunities over the summer. Senior Serena Orr plans to work as recreational leader at a camp she attended as a child.

“I wanted to help recreate the experience I had as a kid for other kids and contribute to the programs they are having,” Orr said.

Orr wants to start working this summer so she can be more financially independent in college. She is motivated by the opportunity to gain experience and provide service to kids, which she feels will be useful in the future.

“I wanted to get some job experience for the future that I could list while applying to future jobs or internships, get some official experience in customer service and working with kids and get a jump start on saving up,” Orr said.

Similarly, junior Hayden Vinson plans to embark on his second year working for California’s Great America. Due to developing social skill sets and customer service experience, Vinson now feels more comfortable and confident interacting with customers.

“I’ve learned how to make people feel more welcomed,” Vinson said. “Especially if people are having an issue, I’ve learned how to make it so I can calm the person down and be like, ‘Oh yeah, I understand what you are feeling, but this is how it works.’”

Martinez recommended students consider balancing being active over the summer while involving themselves in professional programs and social opportunities.

“Don’t miss out on your childhood,” Martinez said. “Do the things you enjoyed doing growing up and when the opportunity presents itself, if you have the time and energy to still do all the things you love, go take advantage of it.”