Written by Aidan Shen
It’s time to welcome the season of limitless possibilities now that the sun is shining, and the days are becoming longer. Whether you want to spend your free time lounging on the beach in the sun or exploring the many restaurants the Peninsula and neighboring Redondo Beach offer, get ready for a summer filled with adventure, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
As a student, I can say that it’s never too early to add extracurriculars to your resume. With volunteer groups in the area such as Los Hermanos, the National Charity League, and the National League of Young Men, there is a wide variety of choices to choose from to get started. But aside from volunteering, kids with a work permit may find that a job can be helpful, being able to say that they have work experience under their belt. The Terranea Resort recently held a job fair that is widely known by the PV community and accepts aspiring teens during the summer to improve their networking and social skills. A great way to get started is by emailing Terranea’s People Services for information.
If you aren’t looking to work at Terranea, it certainly is a great place to visit to get a nice dinner, and an even better view of the sunset. Places like the Golden Cove Market and the Riviera Village are also top picks because of the food and shopping amenities that are available. Golden Cove is popular among the students of PV, with some of my favorite places to visit being Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, and Asaka. The Riviera Village area is also a popular spot featuring shops and restaurants on Catalina Avenue, and popular places like Jamba Juice and Yogurtland. With Torrance Beach just a mere street or two away, Riviera Village is a great place to spend a summer day.
If you can’t make it to your favorite artist’s concert because of summer school or college applications getting in the way, the Malaga Cove Library and Lunada Bay Park have a variety of bands and artists performing during July. The Local artists that perform have some talent to offer and welcome an audience.
Despite what others might say is a good thing to take into your repertoire of skills, it is important to find your own passions as well. Something that I have enjoyed recently is going to car shows in the Palos Verdes and Torrance areas. I’ve only become interested in the past year and it has opened up another lifestyle that I wasn’t aware of before. Visiting car shows and learning a little something about car culture could prove an incredibly educational experience, as well as a fun one. Just be careful, you might find yourself going for that Ferrari you have always wanted.
The activities that I have participated in have shaped my interests and my potential path through college. Embracing them is not only a gateway to unforgettable experiences but also a vital catalyst for personal growth, skill development, and self-discovery for teenagers, empowering them to make the most of their summer break.
