While searching for a second job to work during the summer, I decided that I was going to work at one job and give myself the best last summer that I could hope for. So, after realizing that working just enough to take care of the things I needed to and also have some spending money to make my last summer memorable was perfect. To begin with, I flew cross country with two good friends and have never been so grateful for a long weekend in all my life. While using that trip to fulfill a dream of mine by exploring Seattle, WA, I became good friends with people I barely knew existed. Following that, I knew that I was going make this summer the best one yet and that’s when I dubbed it my F**k It Summer. From sleepless nights, day trips, tattoos, piercings, beaches and new foods, I always followed it with “f**k it.” So what did I learn?

1. I very quickly learned that the friends that you include in memorable things are probably some of the best friends you’ll ever have; whether or not they live close to you.
2. When you’re 20, it's okay that you’re living for really great memories instead of how large you can make your savings account.
3. Wear sunblock. Always wear sunblock. Also, make sure you reapply.
4. It’s okay to be tired because you were having too much fun.
5. Being a tourist in your own area is totally awesome and maybe even along the way, you might find where you want to be next.
6. Boys come and go and you should feel a little sad if you did care for him. But don’t pour all of your time into him.
7. Focus on yourself! Even a little extra time getting ready in the morning can go a long way.
8. When you’re in a crisis, the first people to pick up the phone are the ones you want to keep around.
9. If you really want that piercing, go for it. If your cousin suggests getting a spur of the moment tattoo, do that too. You won’t regret it.
10. Take tons of pictures, you can always delete them later if you don’t want them anymore.
11. Break at least one fear. Start small or start large. With your best friend by your side it doesn’t seem as scary.
12. Take a whole weekend and spend it with your grandparents, they’ll enjoy it more than you’ll ever know.
13. If a friend asks you to take a trip to go to a free concert, do it. Whether or not you really know the band.
14. Unless you’re allergic, trying new foods is great, even if you didn’t like it. At least you can say you’ve tried it.
15. The little bits of advice your dad gives you will probably catch up with you at some point.

In the end, when I realized that silly little thing added up and gave me some of the best memories and laughs of my life, I could no longer let other silly things stop me. So now, I move back into school in just six days and I’m so very excited to share what I have learned and to be able to hang up all the new photos that I’ve acquired over my F**k It Summer.