In the past few months, our schools and education were drastically affected, a huge number of people have lost their jobs, and our economy has faced the greatest downturn since the Great Depression.
While I think we're all ready to get back some sense of normalcy, it's safe to say it's going to take a while to get back to our old lives. Amidst all of this, it's hard not to hope that this summer will deliver the sunshine, vacations, and reunions with friends and family that we're used to. Unfortunately, the likelihood of these things is pretty low and it's important to make the best of the summer in any way we can.
Here are 4 things that any college student can do to still have a fulfilling, fun, and productive summer in 2020.
Take online classes.
- There's an endless possibility of classes you can take this summer. Many educators are making their classes free to encourage people to stay home and help out the many people currently facing financial stress.
- One great option is Kadenze, where you can take courses to learn anything from different kinds of art, how to play instruments, and even how to do your taxes.
- Code Academy can teach you the basics of coding for free, which could be a valuable skill to add to your resume.
- On the other side of the spectrum, Planet Fitness is offering free workout classes every day on their facebook page, no equipment needed.
Find a remote internship.
- College students everywhere have had their internship plans for the summer either cancelled or postponed with very little warning. Luckily, the circumstances we're living in have led many internships to turn to remote options. There's a ton of companies all over the world looking for remote interns.
- Chegg Internships have a page they regularly update with new, online internship opportunities. Build your resume and experience from the comfort of your home this summer- business professional outfits not required.
- Indeed also has plenty of listing for remote internships, with an easy application process that you can complete in minutes.
Volunteer in your community.
- Businesses need volunteers now more than ever. Nonprofits in your community have likely had to cut back on employees due to financial pressure and will need more volunteers this summer to function normally.
- One great resource is Volunteer Match. You can narrow opportunities by location, interests, and even online/in-person opportunities. You'd be surprised how much you can help an organization with just your computer and some free time.
Babysit.
- As many people are returning to work this summer, babysitters and nannies will be in high demand. Childcare facilities have been overwhelmed as kids are out of school and there's a ton of opportunities for babysitters to step in and help.
- Urban Sitter is a great site that background-checks nannies and sitters and helps connect families with sitters in their area.
- Virtual babysitting has also become increasingly popular as many parents are working from home. Parents can book sitters for a few hours at a time to entertain their kids via video chat by storytelling, singing songs, and even helping with online school/ homework so parents can get a much-needed break to work or do household chores.
It's fair to say that this summer won't be like any other that we've experienced. We're living in an unprecedented time right now and any sense of normalcy that we can normally hope for in summer is pretty far-fetched. Despite this, there are still a number of ways we can make the best of it and make it a summer we never forget.
man running in forestPhoto by 
