By Maya Gambhir, Staff Writer
With the school year coming to a close, many RHHS students are planning out how they will spend their time during these upcoming sunny months. Looking forward to a season of relaxation but also productivity, students are planning to participate in a variety of activities, from gaining workplace experience at internships, saving up money by working, and getting a break to wind down after a busy year.
For River Hill, the months of June to August are synonymous with swim team, with the Pointers Run Piranhas and the Clarksville Clippers in full swing. Many students who spent their childhoods swimming with the teams, including rising Junior Ryan Rhee, are planning on being involved throughout the season. “I’m coaching the pointers swim team this summer,” explains Ryan, who is a seasoned competitive swimmer himself. Another swimmer, rising Senior Emily Jones, shares, “I’m going to be a swim instructor as well,” explaining, “I made my own business coaching little kids and teaching them how to swim.” Many students like Ryan and Emily are looking forward to another exciting summer full of swimming.
Another major high school summer activity is internships, which offer unique real-world experiences for students interested in specific subject matter. One rising Senior, Samara Winrose, is interning at a law firm in Bethesda. “I’m super excited because I’m interested in the law field, and this is really amazing exposure to some of its inner workings, and they’re working on some really big cases right now,” she explains.
While internships can be stressful and competitive, many students often agree that they are worth it in the end, not only for college applications but real-world experience as well. Another student planning on pursuing her passions throughout the summer is rising senior Elise Marcus, who shares, “I’m going to be at the National Aquarium in Baltimore working on educating people about conservation and working with the animals.” This opportunity is unique, especially since we’re so lucky to live in such close proximity to a major aquarium. Elise, like Samara, is especially eager about this experience since “I’m very passionate about this field and I definitely want to make it into a career one day.”
However, internships aren’t the only way to spend a productive summer. Many RHHS students are planning on working summer jobs over the next few months, and plenty are still deciding what to do. Junior Freya Patel explains that “this summer, I’m focusing on my passions and interests and exploring what I want to do.” Between travelling and spending time with friends, Freya shares, “My friend and I are also working at a kids’ summer camp.” Junior Jennifer Newman explains that she’s currently exploring options for where to work this summer. I like working during the summer because it also gives me freedom and time to hang out with my friends,” she explains.
For River Hill Fall Athletes, the start of summer break also means getting back into conditioning and practicing for the fall sports season. Rising Senior Sophia Chudnovsky is looking forward to her final season on the River Hill Field Hockey team, sharing, “This past Tuesday, the girls’ Field Hockey team began practicing, and we’re looking forward to working on our reverse hits this summer!” Similarly, Junior Katie Dong is “ready to recharge this summer for an exciting Senior season” on the girls’ Varsity Volleyball team in the fall.
While many students are certainly planning to be busy this summer, it’s also important to relax and spend time with friends and family, which is what summer break is all about. River Hill wishes all of its students an amazing and safe summer full of fun, and can’t wait to see everyone back in the fall.