High school summers are exciting and full of adventures. During the summer as a high schooler, there are lots of clubs and vacations to go on with your family and friends. Theater camp, Girl/Boy Scout camp, summer sports teams, and family vacations take up most of the time you’re given during those few summer months. Summer goes by quickly, and once the first day of school comes back around again, you’re either upset that it’s over or excited to start the next adventure.

College summers are nostalgic, because you’re back in your childhood town and home. Seeing your friends for the first time in months is strange and exciting, because there is so much to catch up on. Seeing your immediate and extended family for brunches, dinners, and reunions can be draining with the repeated questions and comments of "I remember when you were only up to my knees!".

High school summers are fast paced, because it’s true that time flies when you’re having fun. Summer is such a carefree time; a time without responsibilities and your only requirement is to clean your room and make curfew. Summer is the time to make memories that last a lifetime and mistakes to make even more memories.

College summers last a very long time. Most likely, the friends you’ve made in college don’t live anywhere near you, so missing them makes summer longer than it already is. Summers are full of jobs and saving paychecks, because college makes you realize just how expensive it is to grow up. By the time the school year comes back around, you are thankful because you get to go back to your second home, your second family, and your second life again.

High school summers, on the other hand, can be boring if you don’t take advantage of it. So join clubs, make new friends, visit amusement parks, take hikes, make art, and take chances. Make the most of your summer, because it's your time to have fun, relax, and enjoy yourself!

College summers, on the other hand, can be exciting for those who aren't big fans of the college scene. You thrive being home and seeing the people you haven't seen in so long. Just make sure that you’re taking care of yourself -- sleep, alone time, and responsibilities are very important. Make sure you're eating well, sleeping enough, giving yourself some time to center yourself, work out, and get a job (those textbooks aren't going to pay for themselves!). Yes, this all seems daunting and not fun, but you can do it and still have fun if you're determined enough for it.

The truth is, college students usually have a hard time adjusting to summertime at home because they created a life for themselves on campus that they can't bring with them when they come home. They had their taste of independence, and they have to give it up for a few months, which can be a strange and confusing idea for college students. They had their own eating schedule, cleaning schedule, laundry to do, friends to hang out with, sleeping schedule, workout routine, study times, and they never needed to check in with anyone to tell them when they're leaving or coming home. Because of this, college students regularly feel left out of their old life. It takes them a long time to readjust to the rules, responsibilities, and mentalities that they never needed in college.

Summer is an interesting time for all parties involved. For some, it's a time looked forward to and loved, while others dread the idea. With whatever mentality you have, it's okay. You don't have to be the same as everyone else, and that is the beauty of growing up. No matter what you feel about summer, you are going to make memories. Why not make good ones?