I love summer for a number of reasons. The most important would be the amount of time I get to spend with myself. Now, I don't mean necessarily alone, but the time I have to get to know myself a little bit better. During the semester, it's easy to get lost in the millions of things you need to do. The lists are never-ending, the assignments pile up, and normal life seems to get in the way of everything.

Balancing work, school, a social life, and family obligations can be a bit overwhelming. While none of that completely goes away, there is a feeling of ease and levity that comes with the sunshine.

I love that I'll have more time to read books that interest me, diving into hobbies I didn't make time for, and spending every free moment getting to know who it is I am. I am already a very introspective person; I am constantly looking at my ways of behaving or thinking and can analyze them for hours.

I just like knowing how I move in this world. That sounds a little obsessive, and maybe for a person with anxiety, not the healthiest, but I don't do it because I want to criticize myself. I do it because why stay stagnant when you can become increasingly self-aware.

Denise Hernandez

I'm so excited to make this summer about my growth, about becoming a better person and spending time with people who make me feel close to my truest self. My hope for all you owls and anyone reading this that you get to do the same!