It is an understatement to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives. Stay at home orders, social distancing, and a fear of getting sick has made it difficult to enjoy this summer break. And now, with the start of school extended to Sept. 8, students have even more time to relax. But if you are like me and need something to do, I have come up with a few activities that can help you prepare for the start of school. 

Although it is only the start of the school year, it is never too early to explore your interests and plans for the future. Here are a few websites that can help give you an understanding of what careers you could be suited for: 

1. Big Future by CollegeBoard

Website Link: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

Description: With this website, you can choose and select through different factors (like locations and majors), and it gives you various options of colleges that fit your criteria.  

2. Career aptitude test

Website Link: https://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/

Description: With this website, you can enter your skills, values, interests, and style. After the test is over, it will give you different career options that are suited for your skills and interests. 

3. Career quiz

Website Link: https://www.princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quizi

Description: Like the second quiz, this can give you more options about a career that is suited to your values and skills. 

Honestly, I have taken a ton of these quizzes, and it can be exciting to see what career it thinks you should be.

Below, I have a few more activities that are categorized by grade to make it more specific to what you can do. 

If you are a senior this year: 

If you are going to be a senior this year, first off, congratulations! You are in your last year of high school. I get that this can be stressful, so here are a few fun activities in addition to college applications that you can do. 

1. College applications

It is finally that time of the year, college application season! It is time to get started on those applications and submit them before the deadline. If you need any help, reach out to your Bowie college and career counselor, and I am sure they would be delighted to help you through the process, or access the Class of 2021 BLEND page for more information.

2. Visit colleges online through their websites

Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus, in-person visits are canceled, but many colleges have added a more in-depth virtual tour to show their campus off to students. Some colleges even have Zoom calls with their university alumni for students to join and hear their experiences in college.

3. The last thing, relax!

You have finally made it to your last year of high school! Take a break. You still have an entire month before school starts. Yay!

If you are a junior this year: 

If you are a junior this year, you are in the second to last year of high school. Congrats! Here are a few things you can do. 

1. Volunteer 

There are several online Opportunities to volunteer that can help build your resume. Here are a few of them. 

a.Tutor students online

Description: There is an online website where if you are between the ages of 16-18, you can volunteer to help tutor students. 

Website Link: https://schoolonwheels.org/volunteering-and-covid-19/

b. Provide virtual COVID-19 assistance

Description: You can help assist several organizations by providing support in various ways. If you want more information, use this link. 

Website Link: https://www.redcross.org/virtual-family-assistance-center.html

c. More Opportunities

Website Link: https://www.sterlingvolunteers.com/blog/2020/05/a-guide-to-volunteering-8-ways-you-can-help-during-covid-19/

2. Prepare for going back to school

Since we have not had school in over 151 days, it can be challenging to re-adjust back to school. It is never too early for you to start pre-reading on the curriculum. You can also read a new book, and brush up on your math abilities. Here is an excellent website to help sharpen your skills. 

Khan Academy Website Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/

Description: If you create an account, you can practice a full range of topics from Algebra 2 to Writing Comprehension. 

3. Summer Homework

If you are taking any Pre-Ap or AP Classes this year, check the James Bowie High School website Counseling page and check the classes you are taking to see if you have any homework. 

Website Link:https://www.jbhs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=173623&type=d&pREC_ID=358505

If you are a sophomore this year: 

If you are going to be a sophomore this year, you are halfway through high school! Here are a few things you can do. 

1. Prepare for going back to school

Since we have not had school in over 151 days, it can be challenging to re-adjust back to school. It is never too early for you to start pre-reading on the curriculum. You can also read a new book, and brush up on your math abilities. Here is an excellent website to help sharpen your skills. 

Khan Academy Website Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/

Description: If you create an account, you can practice a full range of topics from Algebra 2 to Writing Comprehension. 

2. Summer homework

If you are taking any Pre-Ap or AP Classes this year, check the James Bowie High School website Counseling page and check the classes you are taking to see if you have any homework. 

Website Link:https://www.jbhs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=173623&type=d&pREC_ID=358505

If you are a freshman this year: 

First off, welcome to Bowie! I hope you have an amazing first year! Not to plug The Bowie Dispatch, but we post a lot of fun and exciting stories on our website (aka this one). Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @jbhs_dispatch, where we post consistently during the year. Here are some tips to follow before school starts. 

1. Get used to using applications for online school 

Since this is your first year of high school, you might not have used some essential applications that we use a lot at Bowie. It is important to get familiar with these before online school starts to be better prepared. Here are a few to learn how to use: 

a. AISD Portal

Website Link: https://portal.austinisd.org/idp/AuthnEngine

Description: This has many applications where you can check your grades, email your teachers, and find your assignments. You might have used this in middle school, but if you have not, be sure to open it up and browse the different applications. 

b. AISD Blend 

Website Link: aisdblend.instructure.com

Description: This is where teachers post information, assignments, and other updates throughout the school year. You have to access this through your portal. 

c. ZOOM

Website Link: https://zoom.us

Description: This is what we will be using to conduct live instruction and virtual classes. Be sure to have it downloaded and ready for the first day of school.

2. Summer homework

If you are taking any Pre-Ap or AP Classes this year, check the James Bowie High School website Counseling page and check the classes you are taking to see if you have any homework. 

Website Link:https://www.jbhs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=173623&type=d&pREC_ID=358505

Okay, those are all the tips I have! Be sure to ensure that you have the proper technology before school starts, and if you do not, visit this website.  

Website Link: https://www.austinisd.org/technology/digital-instructional-tools 

Have a great rest of your summer!