This unexpected challenge is a fabulous time to develop skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life, such as the ability to think independently and to manage your own time. Many of our students have trouble with these exact skills in college and here you get a chance to practice. See this article.
Try adulting... cook a nice meal for your family. learn to fix something, paint your room...
Be good to yourself, be creative, get outside, limit time on electronics but stay connected to your friends and family, take care of yourself and your physical and mental needs... In the long run, this experience will be incredibly meaningful to you and you will learn to understand what you gained from it and be able to communicate it.
If you are interested, I would like to help you with any of the ideas listed below, especially writing a resume/portfolio. Email me... cbertrand@k12... I would be happy to chat or talk to you.
THINK
Try personality tests. Fun and free. Maybe you will learn something new or maybe you will confirm your current ideas.
Think about things you've done in the past. School, sports, work, fun... What did you enjoy and why? Make a list. Then go here to analyze the skills you gained from your activities. This will help you write a resume and ace job and college interviews.
Talk to 4 people and ask them a personality trait that describes you and why.
DO
You can still volunteer. As Mr. Rogers says, "look for the helpers".... You can be a helper! Or you can do things that help society with science, history, sports... Please talk to me about what you would like to do and I will help you.
Start thinking of your summer. We can't be sure what's going to happen but hopefully at least some of the summer can be normal. Ideas here.
Maybe think about a job. Links here. PVCC career services keeps a very active list of jobs and pushes it out on social media.
EXPLORE:
Complete career interest inventory in Naviance (start from the school web page and remember you need to change your password)
Set up informational interviews to talk to people about the work they do and what they like about it. Ask me for contacts and help setting it up online.
See the list of videos we are working on with local employers. Now posting on the Cued-In web page. Do you have recommendations of employers you would like to meet?
PREPARE:
Finalize your resume. See how here. You can use it for jobs, internships, college or scholarships applications. Share with me for feedback if you like.
Develop skills through hobbies or home activities. All skills will help you later. If you play video games, think about writing mods or taking responsibility for keeping an online community civil (good luck!).
Prepare for job interviews. Email me for interview questions and to set up a practice time.
Clean up your social media profile. Some employers ask for your social media links in the application. Others will check it even if they don't ask for it.