Letters from the Switched on "Summertime" issue

Dear Switched-on,
So I just turned 15 and I'm kind of annoyed because the woman at this store I wanted to work at just basically turned me away after we talked for so long. I mean like it was all good until she asked me how old I was and then she just said No I'm sorry you can't work here. What makes someone who is just a year older better for a job?? I don't understand this. I really wanted to work this summer.
-Nicole

Dear Nicole,
We're sorry you weren't able to find a job to do this summer. In the U.S., it is considered illegal to hire people who are under 16, which is probably why that woman was so hesitant to hire you. It doesn't mean, however, that they didn't trust you or that they didn't think you would be a good employee. If you really want to earn money this summer, consider doing independent jobs like babysitting or helping keep someone's garden tended.
Signed,
Switched-On

Hey Switched On,
I go to a year-round school where kids get one month off during the summer instead of 3 months. What are some things I can do that's fun and is just 4 weeks long?
-Ethan S.

Dear Ethan,If you're someone who likes to get involved in activities that help your community, community service activities typically do not go beyond three months (unless they are community projects) and can be really fun. You might want to consider volunteering at a local organization. Some hospitals, for example, allow high school students to volunteer and to help entertain the patients. If you enjoy performing arts, that might be something to consider. Another good activity would be to start a project (as we mentioned in our last issue) that can be completed within the duration you mentioned.
Signed,
Switched-On

Dear Switched-On Magazine,
My school has forced me to go to summer school (which is like a month long) and it's about 6 hours long each day! I hate this because it's as long as a regular school day. I never get to see my friends, and my parents are punishing me so I can't see them over the weekend, either. I really want to hang out with my friends but what can I do! I'm stuck at school almost all day and I'm tired by the end of the day. I mean, yeah, I really screwed up this school year but I should get to see my friends, right?? My friends think I should just suck it up since it was my fault...
-Kinda hate life right now

Dear "Hate",
It's good that you admit that you didn't perform academically as well as you (or people in your life) wanted to. Ultimately, though, you have to live up to the consequences of what you feel and what others seem to feel you did wrongly on. It seems like your friends want you to go through the consequences of what happened, and your parents might not be willing to be a little bit more lenient, so it might be best to go through that month without violating your punishment. By violating your punishment, your parents may lose trust in you, and your friends might be disappointed in your behavior.
Signed,
Switched-On