According to Google AI Overview, before the pandemic, the majority—44%—of high school students reported seeing their friends “almost every day” in 2010. Yet in the last couple of years, it was reported that less than 32% of high school seniors saw their friends during summer break. On the upside, teens are 60% or more likely to hang out with their friends this year. Locally and most recently, in a random survey of 104 Morton East students, 63% said that they have hung out with their friends this summer.
“My favorite summer activity this year was hanging out with my cousins. We went to many places like the beach, museums, fairs, etc. Although I didn’t go out of the country or state this year, I was very thankful that I got to spend time with my cousins like when we were younger. It was a very nostalgic summer for me,” said senior Amy Ruiz.
Amy Ruiz and Yaritza Pioquinto had a very outgoing summer this year.
“This summer I hung out with my friends a couple of times. We went to downtown and had Crumbl Cookies,” said Yaritza Pioquinto, sophomore.
Yaritza Pioquinto and Catalina Cruz agree that downtown was a fun go-to activity this year.
“I went downtown and to the beach. I also went to Crumbl Cookies this summer for the first time, but it was somewhat expensive; each cookie was around 10 dollars,” said Catalina Cruz, junior.
Catalina Cruz and Samuel Meza both went to the beach this summer.
“This summer I went to the beach and hung out with around 10 people throughout the summer, but mostly with my girl,” said Samuel Meza, senior.
Some people like hanging out with friends like Samuel Meza, and some people like spending their time watching their kids play sports, like Mr. Gamboa.
“This summer, one of my favorite activities was going to see my kids play sports,” said Mr. Gamboa.
Mr. Gamboa and Jenniffer both loved spending time with their families, sharing what they loved most.
“I went to a gospel fest; it was very fun and refreshing. It was a good place to restart the summer vibes and connect with loved ones again,” said security officer Jenniffer.
Jenniffer and Mr. Reyes both loved going to events where they could relax and have fun with their friends.
“This summer I went to Vegas and gambled a lot. I also saw a really good drag show. I had a lot of fun and would for sure 100% do it again. I went with my sister; we tried a lot of new food. It will be hard to find something that tastes that good,” said Mr. Martin Reyes.
Unfortunately, not everyone had a great summer.
“This summer was worse than last year because I did not go out as much as last year,” said Joel Martinez, senior.
