For most, school has ended and hopefully summer is underway. Yet you still feel those college blues like the late night runs to Taco Bell or the weekly meet-up for “Grey's Anatomy.” You still can't grasp the fact that you won't be seeing your best friends for another three or four months! That's a long time to go without seeing someone (yet you got along fine without your parents). But for those that are just graduating (or going to be graduating) high school take it from me when I say don't wish your summer away.
At this moment you can't think of anything greater than going to your dream school. You've slaved over your SATs and ACTs, cramming in every second you have to try and get that best score. You've sent in application after application after application to countless colleges just hoping at least one will take you in. Yes the anticipation is torture but I can't stress enough don't wish this summer away.
I will say your freshmen year in college is undoubtedly the easiest and hardest for a handful of reasons. First because this maybe your first time away from home for an extended period of time. Second even though the classes will be long and you might have to get up a lot earlier than you planned, these classes will not be as difficult compared to your junior and senior year. Also realize that homework is going to take hours and kiss your routine sleep schedule goodbye! Believe me mine still hasn't gone back to normal.
While your friends will most likely be a priority the summer before going off to college, please make some time for your parents because they are facing just as big of an adjustment as you are. Realize as ready as you are to leave home. This is a hard time for them. Value the relationship you have right now because once you are separated from them by more than just a room or two, you might wish you were back under the shelter of dear old Mom and Dad. And let’s be real here, dining hall food will never be as good as your Mom’s and changing a tire is never quite as easy without Dad. So, take the time to appreciate them and learn as much from them as you can before you set out on your own. I can't count the number of times I've called home because of these exact reasons.
One last thing, make sure you factor in some "alone" time. You won't have a room to yourself ever again once you break into those college dorms- say hello to constant companionship. Take your time this summer, enjoy every day with your friends and family. Even if you work too be thankful you'll have a little extra cash in your pocket it comes in handy.
So get your affairs in order and your mind right before you wave goodbye to your parents and friends as you set off for college.
