Some of you might be taking classes at UCLA or abroad; some might be starting an exciting new job or internship or traveling somewhere exotic for leisure or volunteer work. 

If you are home for the summer, you might be experiencing a serious case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and envy for others' fabulous summer adventures. Fear no more, because home is as good a place to be as any other, if not better. 

At school you are constantly busy, with fascinating classes and even boring ones, with parties and social events, with club meetings and personal projects. Your friends are always within reach and you can walk everywhere. You are free to make your own rules and discover yourself on your own terms.

But, gosh, it's good to be home. In college you are thrown into the big bad world by yourself. Sure, you have your Greek family, but they don't always reassure you like your parents do. At home you can be an irresponsible child, again. And it's so nice to take a break from pretending to be an adult and have someone take care of you, even if it means waking up early in the morning or having to do the dishes. It’s a small price to pay for utter carefree lazy bliss. 

At home, you have a set group of friends who aren’t too busy with club meetings to meet you for a quick cup of coffee. Your friends from home are on vacation, too – at least until September. 

At home, you can watch Netflix all day with minimum guilt. You can finally read that book or watch that movie you’ve been meaning to. You can eat healthy and make time for exercise. You can sunbathe in your garden or in the park without having to worry about turning in an assignment on time. You can be creative. You can learn to cook or to play the guitar.

The world – well, your hometown – is your oyster. Make the most of it! It’s so good to be home.