I need some guidance

[Restraint]

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Hey, all - this is my first post/thread

I'm a 16 year old junior in high school and interested in heading into the medical side of things, however i'm lacking knowledge of what I should be doing right now.

Currently my high school cumulative GPA is slightly below 3.0 from not putting in effort freshman year, however my current GPA is above 3.3 (and rising). Also, I've only taken two AP classes in my high school career (AP Computer science, AP Psychology) so far. I plan on taking AP environmental science and AP statistics my senior year. I am not involved in any volunteer programs or any sports this year, although I was involved in multiple sports in my past school years. I'm currently trying to get a job at a retail store (such as a movie theatre) to improve my social skills and start building up a resume, but I'm having trouble landing a job because my application seems empty without any achievements. I've tried following up the places I've sent an application too many times, even calling once a week for a few weeks but I never get a call back.

I've never volunteered before and I'm not even sure how to start volunteering. My job applications lack any social experience, but truth be told I'm not sure how to get the social experience in the first place.

The way i'm viewing my life right now... is pretty vague and empty. I need to fill it up with success. Where do I start?

 

[CeeEstee0]

Call your local hospital and ask about volunteering, most have programs for students. The application they provide will ask for character references, possibly grades, and job history. You should be able to compensate your lack of job history with strong references. (Teachers, Coaches, etc). As far as AP courses go, take them but work hard and don't overload you schedule. Not having them won't hurt you, but a low GPA is a bigger red flag. Keep your upward trend. Don't be discouraged in your job hunt, just keep trying and make sure if you apply online (at places like BestBuy, Target) call and ask to speak with the manager. Indicate your interest. Calling may cause them to search for your app which will increase your chances of being hired.

 

[Restraint]

Call your local hospital and ask about volunteering, most have programs for students. The application they provide will ask for character references, possibly grades, and job history. You should be able to compensate your lack of job history with strong references. (Teachers, Coaches, etc). As far as AP courses go, take them but work hard and don't overload you schedule. Not having them won't hurt you, but a low GPA is a bigger red flag. Keep your upward trend. Don't be discouraged in your job hunt, just keep trying and make sure if you apply online (at places like BestBuy, Target) call and ask to speak with the manager. Indicate your interest. Calling may cause them to search for your app which will increase your chances of being hired.

Solid advice, thank you.

 

[hmockingbird]

For volunteering outside of the hospital, does your high school have a key club? Mine had a lot of good connections to volunteer opportunities around the community. I think I was only a member for a year or two but it was a good way to test out different places and then get set up on my own schedule for places I liked.

Another medical related thing is a blood drive - my school did them but if not just contact your local red cross, there is bound to be one in your area that you could volunteer with. When I did that a lot of it was trying to get donations and food for the event beforehand (feed the people after they donate so they don't faint!) and then you could work the drive by helping people register. I've done a lot of things where I had to go around and ask for donations and that really helped with social skills IMO. I'm introverted, but that helped me learn how to be outgoing when I need to be.

I also volunteered at the library, which helped me get a job there. The volunteering was fun though, we did a lot of decorating and bake sales and things like that, so if that seems interesting to you I would check out your library.

Also, tutoring... we had multiple tutoring options at my high school for the lower schools in the district if that's something you'd be interested in.

 

[I'm No Superman]

I agree with everyone else here.

So basically,

1. Call up your local hospital, SA, anywhere you would like to volunteer yet and put in a couple hours a week.

2. Try to find shadowing opportunities to learn a bit more about the profession.

3. Keep your grades up and finish out the year strong.

4. College is a clean slate. Hit the ground running.

Good luck!