Staying inside all day and endlessly staring into screens is one surefire way to melt your mind into mush. Now it’s an endless cycle. 3 hours to 6 hours to 12 hours, to the point you avoid sleep! As calming as it sounds that is NOT the way to spend your summer. Today many teens prefer to be “bed rotting” rather than doing something productive. It may be silly and glamorized in the media, but this situation is way more serious than it sounds. You won’t be a teen forever, so the least you could do is try to cherish your time while you have it. There are many ways to get your life together and start contributing to your education requirements! Instead of dedicating your time to doing nothing, begin by doing things that could potentially benefit you and your family. A first step into self-independence…maybe the applications should start flowing in.

One way you could make a good use of your time would be volunteering! Either helping out at a shelter or a church, there are many options down here in the Kissimmee area. Volunteering over the summer could be beneficial for your graduation, since it is a requirement. Knocking them out over the summer would be a breeze, that way you don’t have to worry about it later. And if volunteering isn’t for you, you can also complete the paid work hours to fill your 100hr goal. Maybe try to apply for a job, to get some extra cash in your pocket. Though it is not about the money, but the work experience that counts. Possible opportunities could range from working at a fast-food joint, to even an amusement park. Some popular jobs that are closer in proximity to The Loop could be a Starbucks, the Nike Outlet, Five Below, Culvers, etc. But don’t feel pressured to find a job near a busy plaza, you could also work at your neighborhood Publix, if you have one. And if you’re looking for bigger responsibility, you could even work at a local theme park, it might be a little out of the way for a drive, so make sure you keep that in mind!

And if you aren’t able to work yet, there are some alternatives. You could be a camp counselor, a babysitter, or volunteer at Give Kids the World. If you enjoy helping children and being a guidance figure these are the options for you! There is also a possibility to start a mini business, selling bracelets, art, candy, snacks, or even stickers. Business can range from selling cute things to doing chores for your neighbors. That can also be a way you Obliviousness is deadly can make money without going through corporate. While you think about ways to start your lemonade stand empire, also consider how you can save your money. Buy a car, stocks, or anything that could help start off your young adult life. But remember, don’t rush into the work force, you may have all your life to work or take into a certain profession of your career.