Welp, here it is, what you've been waiting for for the last month, what was your prize during finals week, what some of the best memories of your life come from: Summer. Summer is definitely a prize. But is it really all that it cracks up to be? The older I have gotten, the more I've seen the freedom that summer possesses really being taken away.
Think back to freshman year of high school summer–no one had their license and everyone was still friends with everyone. So, in my case, and many of you I'm sure, freshman summer consisted of tepeeing our teachers, swimming until 2:00 a.m. and watching every scary movie on Netflix. I mean, what other responsibilities can a 14-year-old have?
Sophomore and junior summer got a little more serious. People could drive, and more and more friends started getting jobs. Now, instead being able to do whatever you wanted at a drop of a hat, you had to make sure your schedule was clear and the person you were trying to hangout with was free. It was a different feel than freshman year.
Senior summer was the last "hoorah" with all your friends. This was when you tried to make the most memories and spend as much quality time with the people moving away. But you still had so much to do. Aside from working, you had to figure out what to take to college, fill out scholarships and other paperwork that is required and, honestly, figure out your life. That was one of the busiest summers.
Now here I am, the summer after my first year of college and it's started off a little rocky already. First off, every college student that lives in the dorms can agree with me when I say moving all your stuff home sucks. Next, it's sad saying goodbye to all your college friends. In high school, everyone lived nearby, so hanging out wasn't an issue. Now, your friends are from different parts of the country–some not even from this country–and you're expected to say "bye" for a whole three months? That's not a good feeling. Another thing about the summer after freshman year that's been strange is not everyone in my high school friend group is going to be around this summer. I guess I was hoping for the ultimate high school musical reunion with cake and dancing every Friday night, but that's definitely not going to happen. Not only are my friends working grown up jobs here, but also back where they go to college, along with the people who are travel all summer.
Looking back on the evolution of summers, it's made me sad and, honestly, it's kept me sad since I moved back home. However, I'm starting to realize it's silly to spend my summer being sad. Summer is a time that's suppose to be a break from school, a time to enjoy myself and let loose a little, and also a time to spend with the family and friends that are still around. I've also realized that every summer is going to be different. As I change, my summers and other activities do too. So I'm learning to embrace the change and make the most out of it. Because hey, it's summer.
