Ahh, the stress of finals is finally over and summer is in the air. That's great, right? Wrong. Ending my junior year at school was very bittersweet. I knew that I was one step closer to reaching my goals, but that also meant I was going to have to endure my first summer full of responsibility.
Up until this point, I've had part-time jobs in the summer and that was my main responsibility. I worked maybe about three to four nights a week at a local tex-mex chain restaurant and the rest of my time was mine. To top it all off, my part time job consisted of afternoon shifts so I could sleep in since my shifts really only started at 4 p.m. My days were filled sleeping until noon, laying out tanning, shopping trips with my best friend, and exploring the beauty of summer. All of these things summed up in one word: carefree. Summer has always and will always be my favorite season. However, I did always believe that it would stay the same being that I could just hang out and not worry about anything. Boy, was I wrong.
Monday, 7:30 a.m., week after finals. I was up and getting ready for my very first day at the office for my summer internship. Anxious and excited, it seemed easy getting up for it because it was all so new. Give it until about Wednesday of that same week I was already so over getting up at 7:30. Before you know it things become routine. I have been waking up for the past three weeks now at 7:30 to get to my internship, followed by a few hours of free time that I usually dedicate to my online class, and a nice four to eleven work shift to end my nights. Like I mentioned before, I used to sleep until noon whereas now I am up at 7:30 sharp. This means breakfast literally is the most important thing in my life as is a good night of sleep. I can no longer be out with my friends at a fire or making a diner run late at night, which is a huge transition because those were some of my favorite things. But on the other hand, the adult me is glad I can't go on diner runs late at night because it isn't healthy to eat the fan favorite "fried appetizer sampler." Having a bunch of new adult responsibilities definitely comes with a bunch of new adult rewards. For example, I get excited about going to Starbucks every day for a coffee, taking the stairs all the way up to my fifth-floor office makes me feel like a million bucks, and I even have my own swipe card for a spot at the parking deck. I feel as though I am shaping my future one step at a time throughout this summer of growth and responsibility. There has been many trials and tribulations and the summer has really just started, but I am sure to find the positive in every situation.
I have to say the one thing I gained out of experiencing my first "adult" summer is that you really appreciate the time off and time to yourself. I have a new appreciation for freedom all while developing a strong work ethic and bettering myself for the future and I couldn't be happier.
So here's to finding balance and happiness while being the best you that you can be.
