By: Haewan Kibret and Sophia Kibler

   Throughout most teenagers’ school careers, summer break is traditionally seen as a time of rest and recreation. But, as the high school years advance, there are more opportunities for students to find jobs and internship opportunities. Some students at Marriotts Ridge feel pressure to apply to as many internships as possible, while others seek employment to have some spending money or savings. 

  “Last summer, I did a summer internship program at Johns Hopkins Hospital. My parents really stressed how doing internships during the summer makes you stand out when you’re applying for universities,” sophomore Faith White said. 

Enrolling in internships in order to build their transcripts for college admissions is common. College admissions often push students to seek opportunities that boost their transcripts. Internships are seen as a way to not only gain valuable experience in fields of interest but also to demonstrate commitment to future goals. For many students like White, summer break has become a time for building college applications rather than resting and relaxing from the school year. This mix of aspiration and opportunity turns the summertime into an important time for personal and academic growth.

   “This summer I’m going to babysit some of my family friends. I got CPR certified last summer, so my mom reached out to her friends with kids and asked if I could babysit, and surprisingly, people agreed. I think there is a lack of reliable child care for many busy parents,” said sophomore Afsar Basha. 

   Babysitting gigs are relatively common for high school students, and Basha’s CPR certification is actually highly recommended for most people to babysit.  There’s a level of safety and trust already ensured for parents looking for child care. Doing jobs with flexible schedules is very helpful for students with summer schedules booked with camps, travel and sports to make extra cash. Being employed also lets colleges know that they have work experience, and allows them to flesh out their resume for future employers to see. Working at places that hire teenagers, such as retail and the service industry, provides structure in students’ summer weekly plans, and can be helpful for those with a more bare schedule for the holiday.

   “I feel like there’s a big pressure in Howard County for students to be involved in many activities over the summer for their college applications, but the competitiveness and need to overachieve turn me away because I do a lot during the school year. I want to relax during the summer and just enjoy the weather,” sophomore Tyler Curtis explained 

   Many Howard County students share this same sentiment, as many of their peers have had many opportunities, but some people want a proper break during the summer after an intense school year.

   As high school students at Marriotts Ridge navigate the balance between relaxation and preparation for the future, they are increasingly using their summer breaks to pursue valuable experiences that align with their desires.