Summer. The one word on everybody's mind as we push through these last few weeks of school. There's nothing like the sun's kiss on our skin and warm wind in our hair. During the cold seasons, it feels like countless days pass by where we look at bare-boned trees and see hardly an ounce of color. When summer comes around we are blessed with every shade of green. Our irises explode with color and it feels like everyday matters. Every day is filled with adventures that are sure to make lifetime memories. There are more than a million reasons why college kids are excited about summer, but I will elaborate on a few.
1. No school equals freedom.
This reason doesn't need a lot of elaboration. We are constantly bombarded with school work. We spend an endless amount of time on homework that we hardly have any time to do anything else. I love learning, but having free time is always a plus.
2. Spending time with the family
Mom and dad, I am sorry for never spending time with you when I was in high school. Now, there's nothing more that I look forward to.
3. Home cooked meals
Thank you, mom, for never cooking Ramen for dinner. There is nothing like opening the door after a summer day to the overwhelming smells of your delicious food.
4. Bonfires
Once the sun has set, cue the bonfires. Sitting around a fire with family and friends creates an aroma that is so hard to describe. Not to mention the smores.
5. Driving with the top of your car or sun roof down
Shades up, top down. There is just something about driving with the windows down that makes life feel a little more worth living. The feeling of warm wind rushing through our hair can plant a smile on almost anyone's face.
6. The beach is our place.
Laying out under the sun enjoying a cold beverage as you watch waves crash is just pure bliss. Also, life is better when you're tan.
7. Hometown friends are the best.
Being away from hometown friends throughout the school year can be hard. Having three months to spend time with them makes it all worthwhile.
8. Binge watching every show on Netflix
Grey's Anatomy. Stranger Things. Shameless. The Walking Dead. We will watch them all.
9. Festivals
Summerfest, Country Thunder, and Lollapalooza are just a few to look forward to. Seeing your favorite artist performing in one the greatest cities in the world is more than picture perfect; especially after listening to them for countless hours on a study playlist.
10. Staying up late and waking up late
It doesn't matter if you go to bed at 8 p.m. or 3 a.m. Why would it when we can sleep in as late as we every night?
So please summer, hurry up. The clock is ticking and we are on the edge of our seats. It's time for us to put our books in our drawers, and stick our toes in the sand. There are high hopes for you, Summer of ‘17.
