With the COVID-19 pandemic looming into the summer, many job opportunities and activities for high schoolers alike have been canceled. As rising seniors, this summer is supposed to define us as individuals and how we chose to work.

College application season is drawing near in the fall, and many of us are unsure what to do this summer in order to present a good reflection on our resumes. Many of us who were hoping to participate in service opportunities, including the Appalachia mission trip, are unfortunately disappointed to hear that they have been canceled.

Not only have our summer activities been canceled, but we are also unable to get together with our friends and families. The coronavirus has ruined our plans, and has devastated many families, but we must not let these terrible events change us as individuals.

We are still united in the fight against COVID-19, and together we will get through it. The best thing to do for those of us who are unsure about what to do this summer is to utilize the resources that we have available to us.

We can talk to our counselors, parents, teachers, and even our friends for advice on what to do over the summer. Many recreational activities and places such as swimming pools and amusement parks have stated that they will be closed, but jobs in the service industry, as well as outdoor work such as lawn mowing are still available.

Service-wise, many of us are able to volunteer for Food Rescue 412. Keep in mind that you can get in touch with your friends and help each other during service jobs. Summer activities can be as simple as helping out family members, or assisting with food distribution for Food Rescue 412.

No matter what, we are all able to help each other through these difficult times, and we all have the resources available to ask for help. Don’t let coronavirus ruin you summer.

Take charge of it by challenging yourself every day and supporting each other. As a Central community, we are all here for each other. Each of us wants the best for each other, so do your part and help in the effort to make the summer of 2020 an enjoyable one for everybody.