Amy Meng, Arts and Tech Editor
@amengcourant
As the new school year comes in full swing, students reminisce on a summer well-spent, whether they traveled across continents, took on new jobs and volunteer work, or explored possible majors and careers. Coming together once again, students return with a plethora of stories ready to share.
Billy Heyn exploring the streets of Hong Kong this summer.
This June, senior Billy Heyn flew across the globe to Hong Kong for a week-long internship with Soma Finance, a crypto-currency startup. Looking to pursue a degree in economics, Billy worked with decentralized finance systems, in which financial products are provided to users without intermediaries such as banks and exchanges. “The two CEOs, whom I’m good friends with, are really nice guys,” he said. “Mainly what they have me look at is video games that are integrating cryptocurrencies into them, and to see if they work well as cryptocurrency-based games.”
Furthermore, Billy found the extent of communication between the CEOs and other coworkers to be an interesting difference from the expected formal work environment. “It wasn’t as formal, but it was much more efficient and nuanced,” Billy said.
The internship also provided an opportunity to explore the culture of Hong Kong, especially the local cuisine. “It was really interesting how walkable Hong Kong was because I could walk from my hotel to the office in ten minutes,” Billy said. “The benefits from internships are really helpful in getting to experience a new city and a new culture.”
Junior Elizabeth Cheng helped out at Stamford Hospital’s front desk 2 days a week.
In contrast to the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, junior Elizabeth Cheng directed patients to their different wards from the front desk of the Stamford Hospital. As she hopes to pursue a medical degree, she worked alongside hospital employees as a volunteer to get a feel of the operational system of medical centers. “When someone comes up to the front desk, they’ll describe their situation and then I’d have to decide where they would go,” Elizabeth said.
Through this experience of working with diverse groups of people, Elizabeth noticed how simple gestures of kindness could make a huge difference, especially in stressful hospital environments. “A simple please or thank you is really valuable. I was also giving back to the community, and people are often very grateful about this,” she said.
Other than exploring their own interests, some students are also helping others to enjoy their summer. Many high school students would not have a complete summer if not for stepping into the role of a summer camp counselor. Junior Sebastian Seridakis worked at the Ben Young All Sports Camp, a local summer camp held at the high school for kids in elementary and middle school. “We do a bunch of sports and activities with the kids, but the real premise of the camp is to build connections, encourage teamwork, and meet new people,” Sebastian said. According to Sebastian, the deep and sustained bonds that he has created over the years of attending and working at camp have always brought him back the following year.
Counselors pose for a photo with a camper after a day of fun and collaborative camp activities.
For Sebastian, his years of experience working with kids have taught him to always listen to the kid’s perspective first. “It’s really important that you show up to work happy, because kids reflect their emotions based on how you communicate with them. Only by being as opening, welcoming, and happy as possible will the kids do the same as the counselor,” he said. “You also can work on your own skills with meeting new people, and greeting and coexisting with kids.”
All things considered, from international internships to community service to camp counseling, Summer is a blossoming outlet for high school students to explore their passions and interests in a variety of ways. Local and international communities have provided countless opportunities to introduce students to possible future majors and careers. There is always something out there for motivated students to explore, and the possibilities are endless.
