The summer of 2020 was unlike any other. Instead of having slumber parties with the boys, going to camp, and vacationing at the beach, we were forced to stay inside and play Xbox.

Unless you’re like my sister and your hobbies include scrolling through TikTok and binge-watching 15 seasons of Criminal Minds, your summer was probably uneventful.

But, like many of you, I wanted to make the most of my summer vacation.

With all the college students home because of COVID-19, it was difficult to find a summer job. I was starting to run out of pocket money until I found a convenient landscaping gig where I could take as many breaks as I needed to, working for an elderly couple: my grandparents.

Working for my grandparents was a welcome change from my typical summer job of coaching at a baseball camp. At camp, my drill sergeant would relentlessly holler at me because I was wasting the company’s time. At grandpa’s, he just laughed when I broke the ancient Chinese vase sitting in his hallway. And while it was awkward taking money from my grandparents, I certainly did not feel uncomfortable buying new video games each week.

Unexpected perks

Working for my grandparents came with several other perks, such as being able to play with their dogs and discovering Iced Tea (which I’ve got to say, has become the third drink on my Favorite Drinks List).

Additionally, with all the free time on my hands, I was able to grind out some levels on my Star Wars Battlefront Anakin Skywalker.

This past summer was undoubtedly my most relaxing, rewarding one thus far. If coronavirus restrictions continue to exist next summer, hopefully you can make the best of it like I did. After all, there is nothing wrong with playing six hours of video games each day as long as you go for a walk every now and then.