No, this is isn't some dorky, I-love-to-learn spiel.

OK...that may be a reason that I'm excited for school, but that isn't my point. A lot of us spend the school year waiting for summer break and then spend the summer wishing it would never end. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love everything about summer break. Days spent at the pool, bright sunshine, beach trips and freedom from homework are wonderful.

But by the time August rolls around, I am ready to be back at school.

When I was in high school, coming back for another year didn't mean anything specific. It meant that I had to adhere to my school's standard for coursework, although there was usually a class or two that I was truly excited about. For instance, I was always excited for my yearlong choir course, and sometimes I was excited for my English courses. Now that I'm in college, coming back to school means more than fulfilling requirements, even though that is still part of it. Coming back to school means pursuing my passion. It means taking classes that will further my career, up my earning potential, and help me be smarter and more well informed. It means the things I don't understand, but want to, will be right at my fingertips. The faster I get where I want to be, the better, and continuing my education helps me move forward.

Another reason I'm excited to go back to school is my college community. I'm the odd duck that doesn't live on campus at Stephens College, where on-campus residency is required except in special circumstances, but that doesn't stop me from feeling like I belong. I love the women, the support, and the sense of belonging I feel at Stephens. It's a huge part of the reason why I picked Stephens in the first place, and it's definitely a reason for staying. My peers are wonderful, the staff is excellent, and my teachers are superb. To be surrounded by competent, loving people definitely lifts me up, and I miss it during the summer.

At least for now, school also gives me a little break from work. It's not like a vacation, but since I'm technically already working in my chosen field, it's more like on-the-job training. I work as a veterinary technician, but I'm studying to be a veterinarian. So at work I'm always on my feet, constantly running around and performing physical tasks. Going back to school means sitting down, not eating snacks in a rush and being able to relax a little physically.

Most superficially, I am excited for the return of fall and winter. I'm the kind of person that very much enjoys the seasons. The end of summer is a reprieve from the heat; the changing of colors, and the lightening of the air. Not to mention, my birthday is in September, so going back to school means a birthday celebration is near.

School starting again doesn't mean a loss of freedom to me. It means a cycling of my life, a refresh button on my hectic schedule. I'm grateful for summer break, but I'm also grateful to be learning at the best college on Earth.