Every single summer I reach a point where I find myself quite excited to get back into a routine, start school, and see people I have not in a few months. But every four years, without fail, I find myself especially giddy when I have two weeks to a month left until school starts. This sudden jolt of elation can be caused by one thing and one thing only: The Summer Olympics.

Now, I love watching football, hockey, and basketball, but one thing that makes these summer games so unique is I get to watch sports I cannot every year. These are things like swimming, gymnastics, table tennis, indoor and beach volleyball. And the best part of it is the people I'm watching are some of the best in the world! Where else will I be able to say that I got to watch Michael Phelps win his 20th gold medal, Women's Gymnastics take gold for the second year in a row, Fiji win their first olympic medal EVER, or Simone Manuel become the first African American women to win gold in an individual event all within about a week of the games' start? Absolutely, no where.

The Olympics have the ability to bring together an entire country for two weeks in order to support and celebrate the athletes and all of their accomplishments. I really cannot think of anything other event in history that does that like the olympics. And with everything that is going on in this crazy world their could not be a more perfect time for these events to occur.

Without a doubt in my mind the best part of the olympics, to me, is seeing what every single athlete's dedication, sacrifice, strength, and hard work can get them. It inspires me to be the best I can at anything and everything I do whether that is in school, sports, work, or life. I feel absolutely privileged to say that I have seen some of the best athletes of all time compete for our country and there is nothing that I would trade for that experience!

So for those of you who have not gotten around to watching this years olympics, it is not too late and for anyone out there who is not a fan of watching sports, just remember this is the perfect chance to cheer your country on and become united with your nation.