When I was younger, all I wanted was for summer vacation to last forever. But this past summer, the first summer after I started college, I constantly kept counting down the days to be back on campus.

When I came back last weekend, I was so excited. I no longer was sad that the summer was over, but I was happy that the new school year was starting. I wasn't sad about leaving home, because I now have a new home too, and that's my college town.

My first year of college was such a wild experience—a new place, new memories and so many new people. I think the part that made me want to come back more than anything, though, is the people.

The first thing I did when I came back and saw my friends is tackle each one of them with a big hug. It was then that I realized how much I missed them all. That these people, who I didn't even know a year earlier, are now some of the most important people in my life.

I think this is truly what growing up is: you no longer wish for summer vacations to last forever; but instead, you think about school and the future and how to succeed; you'd much rather do things that'll help you get ahead than laze around for days at a time.

As this new year starts, I'm excited. Of course, I'lll miss getting proper sleep and no homework, but I also cannot wait to see what this year brings.

So here's to the new school year, and here's to all we achieve now that we're back.