How High School Students Can Get Work Experience During The Coronavirus

For many high schoolers, summer is a great time to make some extra money. However, this year the coronavirus pandemic means that many traditional summer jobs may not be an option for high school students.

Already, many students who work part-time at restaurants, clothing boutiques, and other brick-and-mortar stores may find themselves laid off or unable to work due to health guidelines.

Zippia created an ultimate guide for high school students on how to find jobs online, gain skills, and thrive during this challenging time.

How To Make Money Online?

While working online may feel different than working as a lifeguard, both provide valuable work experience and the opportunity to learn new skills.

Many types of different jobs exist online, from data entry, to online tutoring and filling out surveys. High school students seeking to work online should consider their strengths and skills, then explore the different platforms below to find which is the right fit for them.

For example, if you are a talented writer, you might want to seek out small writing jobs. Similarly, if you are a whiz at math, you might find online math tutoring is an excellent way to earn some extra cash.

However, students should also consider their strengths and weaknesses outside of traditional academic realms. If you enjoy drawing, this can be your opportunity to sell and create logos online. A passion for video games could lead to writing an article on the best multi-player video games.

While some online jobs such as tutoring may take place over a long period of time with scheduled shifts (such as every Wednesday at 4 PM), others may be one time opportunities with more flexibility. These flexible positions are known as freelance work.

Cool Ways To Learn Skills Online

Getting a remote job isn’t the only way to gain valuable experience online. There is a multitude of online resources that can help you learn new skills and explore new interests while you’re stuck inside.

How Will The Coronavirus Impact The ACT And SAT?

Currently, both the upcoming ACT and SAT/SAT subject tests have been postponed. The ACT has test dates in June and July, while SAT/SAT Subject test dates are in June. If the coronavirus pandemic continues into summer, these dates will likely be postponed as well. However, as the situation resolves, more test dates will be forthcoming.

• Underclassmen: If you are an underclassman who is taking this test for practice, you should take practice tests at home. While taking a proctored test is better practice, staying at home is much safer.

• Upperclassmen: For upperclassmen, particularly seniors who need these scores for college admittance, email colleges and universities directly to let them know about your situation and see what they suggest.

• Do Not Panic: Fortunately, colleges know this situation is out of your control and will each have their own solution. Some may eliminate their SAT or ACT requirements. In the meantime, continue studying and preparing for the exam. You can also use your spare time to focus on your college essay.

• Updates: The most up to date information and announcements for the SAT can be found here, and for the ACT here.

How Will The Coronavirus Impact My AP Exams?

Advanced Placement exams will still take place but have been modified due to the coronavirus.

• Exam Location: Exams will now only be a 45-minute free response, at-home exam.

• Test Dates: Study and review materials are available now, and all practice questions will be available on April 3rd. You can see the new test dates here.

• Choosing A Date: There will be two testing dates for each subject. One is sooner, so if you are afraid of losing knowledge, you can take it while everything is fresh. The other date is later, so if the disruptions have set you behind on your study schedule you can catch up, as well as familiarize yourself with the new test set-up and practice questions.

• Refunds: While the bulk of students questioned by the AP board want to take the test, they are also doing full refunds for those who, in light of the circumstances, opt not to.

HOW TO BE PRODUCTIVE WORKING AND STUDYING FROM HOME?

While working and studying from home may seem exciting and cool at first, it can be challenging to be productive at home. Here are several productivity tips to make the most of your working hours.

• Establish a Routine: While doing school work when you feel like it seems great, a lack of routine can be the enemy of productivity. Set hours for yourself to focus on important tasks. Remember to maintain a school-life balance. School and work shouldn’t dominate your life. Have a time when you turn your computer off and focus on things you enjoy.

• Take Breaks: If you are used to being at school all day, moving from class to class, and chatting with friends in between classes, you might not realize how draining sitting in front of a computer all day is. Make sure to give yourself breaks. Get up, take a walk around the house, get a glass of water, or pet your dog. Mindful breaks will make your working hours more productive.

• Designate A Place To Work: Using your bed as a desk is not productive. If possible, set up a desk and make it the spot where you get work done. If you do not have a desk, a kitchen table will do. While you work, try and minimize distractions around your house.

• Get Ready For Your Day: Similar to laying in bed, wearing pajamas can decrease your productivity. There is no need to dress up fancy, but getting up and changing into real clothes sets the tone for the day. Similarly, getting up in time to eat breakfast, brush your teeth, and wake up will all help get you in the right frame of mind.

• Overcommunicate: Communication is critical when doing online work or online school. When you are in an in-person math class and don’t get a problem, the teacher may notice your furrowed brow. That won’t happen online. You must learn to advocate for yourself and communicate that you are struggling and need assistance. The same is true for working online. If you find an online job, the manager won’t be in the same room as you. It is important to communicate what you do throughout the day, the progress you make, and any questions you may have.

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health

People across the country are feeling fear and anxiety about the spread of COVID-19. Students, too, are experiencing a time of great stress and turmoil. Not only have students had to unexpectedly leave the school environment and adapt to learning from home, many have sacrificed important milestone events such as prom, graduation, and sporting events.

It is incredibly important to take some time to take care of yourself during this stressful time. Here are several mental health apps that will help.

Aloe Bud: Aloe Bud is a free self-care pocket companion that encourages its users to practice self-care activities. Aloe Bud helps individuals hydrate, move, breathe, and stay motivated, refreshed, and stimulated throughout the day. One user wrote, “I’m someone who really struggles with self-care and keeping track of the things that I do, and this helps so much. You can write things down on the go when you don’t have your journal and look back at them later if you need to. 10/10 would aloe bud again.”

Joyable: Joyable is the perfect place to get support for your entire team. Joyable connects people with a dedicated coach and a two-month course based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With Joyable you can access proven help, anytime, anywhere. With Joyable you will have happier employees and lower turnover rates. One member wrote, “I’m not afraid to talk to my bosses and I’m not afraid to talk to strangers. I’ve got confidence back again. It’s completely changed me.”

Headspace: This award-winning research-backed app has hundreds of guided meditations and mindfulness techniques to help with stress, focus, anxiety, and sleep. Studies found that 30 days of Headspace lowers stress by 32%, and four sessions reduce burnout by 14% and increase focus by 14%. Join companies like LinkedIn and Adobe and start using this app.

Insight Timer: Insight Timer is a meditation app with 30,000 free meditations and music tracks. It was voted App of the Year by TIME magazine and Women’s Health. Insight Timer has guided meditations and talks led by the world’s greatest meditation and mindfulness experts, neuroscientists, psychologists, and professors from top universities. Whether you are a beginner or experienced practitioner, this app caters to everyone.

Stop, Breathe, & Think: Stop, Breathe, & Think is an emotional wellness platform designed for the “under 25.”They encourage its users to stop what they are doing, practice mindful breathing, and to broaden their perspective. Users take a survey that evaluates their mood and then choose a guided meditation based on the results.

Youper: Youper uses artificial intelligence to personalize different techniques to fit its users’ needs and helps them calm their minds, sleep better, and become more productive and happier. It also uses conversations based on therapy techniques and mindfulness to help people monitor and improve their emotional health. 80% of the users experience a reduction in negative moods after just one conversion.