As a native North Carolinian from the coast, going to college in the Piedmont has been extremely different for me. In high school, I would take my work to the beach and read there or if there was nothing to do me and my best friends would go for a walk. I’ve truly felt like a fish out of water without an ocean nearby, and as finals come to a close I can’t wait to spend my time in the sand. However, living near one of the nicest beaches in NC has its downsides.

Growing up 20 minutes away from the Atlantic has taught me a deep appreciation for the ocean and everything in it. Summer is great for swimming with friends, and winter is great for bundling up under a few blankets with just your headphones. Summertime has become synonymous with the beach, and I spend most of my time there. There are places to eat, lots of fun and free things to do, and there are always friends to hang out with.

The beach is undeniably a beautiful place to be in the summer. My friends from college want to visit me to take advantage of the ocean and all my home has to offer, which I am thrilled about. I always have something to do or somewhere to go when I’m bored. There’s nothing more relaxing than floating in the water, and lucky for me that’s only a 15-minute drive away.

While that all sounds great, and it is, there are some serious downsides to living in a beach town during the summertime.

Summertime means busy time. That is when the dozens of businesses that are reliant on the tourists hire all your friends, and no one is really as available to spend a couple of hours in the sun as it might seem. Also, these are businesses you also frequent, and the sudden population increase is evident. Going to school or church on the beach becomes a hassle when you’re fighting a never ending onslaught of traffic and parking problems.

People who live on the coast are spoiled by it. The beach is always there for us and we are so lucky for that. That’s why when you’re stuck inside working or in a summer class, nothing seems worse than missing out on the perfect day.

Perhaps the worst thing to me about living on the beach in the summer is seeing more people than in any other season abuse it. People throwing cans and trash around on the beach like it’s nothing are infuriating. While for many people vacation time means lazy time, there is never an excuse to mistreat the beach. It is devastating to see people be reckless and mistreat your home that you love, especially when you consider the damage it does to the habitat.

I have been so lucky to grow up at the beach. I have a deep appreciation for it ad truly believe salt water heals all wounds. I love being close by, and can tolerate the busy season, but can’t stand watching the mistreatment. This summer remember you can never be too mindful of who’s home you are destroying.