As the flowers begin to bloom and the outdoor temperatures rise, I’m sure many of us either already know or are waiting with anticipation over the possibility of what our summer jobs will be. I, for one, finally heard back from an employer and the burden of it all fell from my shoulders.

Back in the fall you imagined big things for yourself in the following summer. Larger-than-ever-before paychecks and a nonstop party were some things on my mind. Doing something that is relevant to my future career goals as well as spending my time with people my own age whilst in the sun also topped my list of wants. Summer 2K15, I was a sailing instructor and had the most amazing time. I spent the entire season on the beach, in the water, with kids and made so many new friends, an unbeatable combination in my opinion. Anyway, I’ve been working since I was 16 years old so I have been through the application process a solid amount of times.

I’m sure that by January your summer career ideas had settled down and you started thinking of more realistic options. Your mom probably nagged you about it nonstop as the winter wore on and finally one day when you had nothing to do, or very late at night after a slew of homework had hit you for hours you decided then was the appropriate time, you finally submitted some applications.

You felt so organized, you even made a lil' chart with categories such as location, housing and payment. You texted your mom to show off your success and she lauded you, accompanied by a “I’m so proud of you,” and, “Well did you email family friend to give you a recommendation? They belong to that yacht club, you know.” You know, I gotta say, Mom -- I did know that, but thanks for the reminder!

Anyway, as phone interviews ensue in the following weeks, you start getting excited about prospective employment. One interviewer listed your perfect summer when describing the position. Another told you he’d get back to you in two weeks. About a month later, though, you haven’t heard anything. And although you’re pining for that one job on Nantucket, the interviewee has been silent.

Sidebar to that -- how annoying is it when an employer doesn’t respond to you!? While you do learn how to wait in suspense for a long time, I think that professionalism drops just a tad. Oh well, if you want the job, I know you’ll wait. But I think that by late March, it’s time to move on. Hard to admit, hard to let go of the dream job and dream summer, but necessary.

Now that it’s late March, well, you’re either one of the normal ones and heard in a decent timeframe or you’re like me who was just waiting and waiting by her email this whole time. Finally, my mom tells me of another job opportunity. Over spring break, an emailed resume and in-person interview occurs and by the hand of God, you get a call less than a week later with a job offer.

Phew. Now with contracts to sign and summer nights to dream of, you’re finally set. Wow with all the stress and timing of a summer job, I wonder what it will be like finding a full-time job after college. But for now, let’s just think of finishing school with a GPA our parents wouldn’t mind and look forward to summer 2K16!