Dear Summer Self,

That is right my friend, we are almost back together again. We are ready for those sweet warm days at the beach, and those long exciting nights with our friends. I can not wait to feel the fiery sand under my feet and the shockingly cold water on my body. As I am preparing for finals I remember all the fun times we had this time last year. The concerts, the bonfires, the laughs and adventures. It is almost time for us to do it all over again. Just remember not to take this time for granted. Even though you miss your school friends, enjoy your time with your family and with your hometown friends, because after three quick months it will be over.

Be outside as much as you can. Get really tan, because you will loose it as the next school year goes on. Spend every waking moment with your best friend, and do not do anything that does not give you complete happiness. You do not have to hangout with any of your high school friends that you do not want to see. Only do things that make you laugh and that are fun. Make midnight Cookout runs. Play in the mud. Laugh until you have abs. On rainy days, have movie marathons and game days. Do not waste your time binge watching Netflix, that is for school days when you are procrastinating doing your work. And if you have to work, which you probably do because your parents are forcing you, enjoy that time. Make every moment count.

Do not be wishing for fall or winter. Yes, I am sure it is way too hot and way too humid, but you have been waiting for this exact moment. Be here and now. If a great opportunity comes around, take it. If you get the chance to travel, or a cool job, or something outside of your comfort zone, do it! Remember that the older we get, the less and less free time we will have. We will have to do internships, have real jobs, pay bills, and adult. Since we do not really have to adult yet , LIVE IT UP. This is our time.

Get in shape. You have less commitments right now, so stop making excuses. The time is now, and the summer is yours. Fall in love. Summer romances are the best, and their even better when they carry over on to fall, winter, and spring. Open your heart and your mind to new things. You are young, tan, and happy. Make the most of your summer and make the most of your time at home. You deserve this summer. You have worked so hard and now it is your turn to play hard. SMILE BECAUSE SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE.