Vacation – something we all want and need. I am a full time college student and while some college students have the luxury to enjoy summer with no responsibilities, there is a surplus of us whom do not have that luxury. Coming home for the summer means working 30+ hours between both of my jobs and taking summer classes to ensure myself that I will graduate in four years.

Yes, I would love to spend everyday by the pool, go on a date with my boyfriend, make time to catch up with friends and see my best friend more than once a month; unfortunately, my schedule does not allow that. After being home since May, I finally got the chance to take a four-day long vacation. No, I did not go to the Bahamas or Europe, I went two hours away from home, but it was one of my favorite vacations yet. Since beginning college, I would like to say that I have matured a lot and have begun to cherish the little things more. While on vacation I learned a lot and I would like to share these things with you.

Put the electronics away. Our generation is being born with an iPhone in their hands. I remember when I was younger and vacations were spent with my dad taking out his gigantic ancient camera to take embarrassing family photos. While on vacation, I noticed an insane amount of families with screens in front of their faces. They are missing out on so much. The texts, tweets, Facebook notifications and video games can wait. One day I know I will not have the ability to go on vacation with my family, so I would like to enjoy it while I can.

Explore. Do it. Hop in your car and find a hidden treasure. You don’t need to be on vacation to do this. But seriously my family and I found a beautiful lighthouse in Newport, RI. You never know what this world holds until you go out and find it yourself. Whether you are in the Caribbean or staying close to home, you should explore.

Make time for others. Work and school is enough to handle. I let my days pass by. I have my routine and I like to stay busy, but sometimes staying busy isn’t the best. You miss out on a lot. Nowadays making money is more of a concern than asking how your loved ones day was. Vacation taught me to slow down and spend more time with the people I care about.

You may never be here again; time is precious. Although I live two hours from Newport, RI., I may never have the chance to go back. Maybe life gets a little busy or we choose a new place to vacation. While in Newport, I wanted to take advantage of the history or beautiful scenery so of course, I forced my family to visit the historic mansions and endure a 3.5-mile cliff walk with me. So when on vacation, go out and remember that you may never be here again. Don’t say “next time,” just go out and find something to do.

Thank you vacation for teaching me to put down the electronics, explore what is around me, make more time for others, and savor every minute of life. I look forward to many more vacations with my dysfunctional and loud family. Until then, I will take advantage of the time I have before heading back to school for the fall.