As I sit in my empty college dorm, my last final handed in to my professor, and my junior year over, the excitement of what I am going to do this summer has set in. Although I already have work planned out and am seeing my friends, it is always fun to set goals for myself over this three-month break and to see where I come out at the end. Even though it is a time for relaxation and, of course, a time to be shamelessly lazy, there is no room for excuses. Three months is a long time, especially with no schoolwork, and it is the perfect time to get things done or to try things that you haven't had time for during the school year.

Even though some of these things may not be your cup of tea, or your idea of a fun way to spend your summer, take them with a grain of salt and modify this list of my five goals that I have for myself for this summer to work for you. Take my list as a little inspiration to make your own and to push yourself to have a relaxing but goal-oriented summer!

Here are the goals that I hope to achieve this summer while I am home and away from all of the stress that college brings my way:

1. Read a book every week.

I know that this is probably instantly being shot down my many, but hear me out. I work at a bookstore and I have access to a lot of great books, so why not try to read even more than I already do? I figure if I can read a book a week, or more if they are really well written, I will gain knowledge and understanding of things while enjoying myself. Learning can be fun; it doesn't always have to take place while sitting in a classroom trying to keep yourself awake.

2. Revisit an old hobby and stick with it.

I have have loved to paint since I was in high school, but ever since coming to college I have lost touch with that world. I hope to get back into the swing of things this summer and paint at least twice a week to get back into it. It is important to have hobbies that are also healthy outlets and allow you to express yourself.

3. Go on a walk every other day.

Mom and Dad, don't laugh at me for setting exercise-oriented goals, because I am trying to be reasonable this time! I often tell myself I am going to get really into going to the gym and working out, but it just never happens, so this is my compromise. I am setting the goal of going on a walk around my neighborhood every other day this summer, even if I have already gone to the gym. I have forgotten the importance of getting fresh air every day, and if I can do that while enjoying being home, I should. Mom, say hello to your new walking buddy.

4. Try new foods.

This has been something I have struggled with since I was a little kid. I absolutely have a fear of trying new foods. Laugh all you want; I know that the worst that could happen is I don't like it, but I have an issue with the textures of foods. I hope to try at least one new food a week while I am home this summer. I know that is not a lot, but that is something for me and if I can stick to it, I will feel accomplished.

5. Find happiness with who you are.

Now this is my biggest one. I am not saying that I am not happy with who I am as a person, but I believe that we all have things that we don't love about ourselves and that we wish we could change. I know that I have a few things that I want to work on in regard to how I look at myself, and I know that with all of the positivity that I will be surrounded by this summer, I will be able to improve upon my happiness with myself every day.

Summer is a great time to work on yourself, be kind to yourself, have fun, explore new things, and to just be who you want to be. I truly can't wait to pack up the cars tomorrow and start working on my summer goals and to continue on the path to being the woman I want to be.