Ah summer... you came and left too fast. Already I am back at school when just yesterday I remember flying into California and coming home to my family. Even though you flew by quickly, you did leave me many memories that made my time home memorable and made me appreciate home more than ever before. Among the days of vacation, you gave me some amazing people that made my time there amazing.

First and foremost, I wish to thank my family. From the moment I stepped through the door of my house, I felt welcomed and loved as if I never left home. Everyday I was served a delicious home cooked meal made by my mother who had a magic touch for making the most delicious meal not found anywhere else. My father, always caring and supportive, offered me so much advice to carry into my second year of college and helped me with my finances for the school year. And lastly my little brother, even though we drive each other nuts and fight every other day, I love the moments we spent together at Universal Studios, watching Harry Potter films, and just getting to spend time together as brothers. My family is the most loving and caring people I know that would do things for me no other person would. All the great accomplishments and choices I have made are because they raised me to be an outstanding person.

Second, to all my friends at home, you made summer fun, crazy, exciting, and one of the best times I've had in a long time. We spend days and nights driving all over Los Angeles, attended all the great events that were there, and, my favorite part, just spend time talking to each other about our thoughts, feelings, dreams, and goals for the future. You have all been there for me even when I'm in college and when I have had my tough times here. I've made many friends here, but no one replaces the friends I've made at home and have been there for me much longer than my friends at college. Lastly, to my hometown of San Pedro or Los Angeles, California, I never really appreicated living there until now. I didn't realize all the amazing places and things I had at hand there until I spent a year up in the east. People often tell me how jealous they are that I live in California and at that time, I realized that my home really is amazing and I should never take it for granted. From then on out, I am a proud Californian!

Thank you summer for an amazing and memorable time! I am now ready to begin the new year refreshed and prepared to face the challenges that come! As for my family and friends at home, see you at Thanksgiving!