Summer is winding down and we are about to head back to Orlando for the semester...

But, first, let's take a look back at how most UCF students spent their summer.

Summer jobs:

If you did not take classes, summer is the time to make that money! Whether students worked at a theme park, corporate firm, or retail location, all students understand the necessity of money. For example, you are excited to move in to your new dorm, but you need to buy a lot of things to make it exactly what you want. To make this happen you need money to buy new bed sheets, shelves, stereo, tailgate materials, and more. Also, some of us may be responsible and independent and use the money for chapter dues or tuition. Depending on the job you had, working during the summer may have taken out much of the fun out of summer, but it will be worth it. You will appreciate the experience you gained and the money you have earned.     

Summer fling:

Like Justin Timberlake says, “This just can’t be summer love!” You found that someone during the summer and you hung out excessively. Nothing wrong with that. You were wondering where this person has been all of your life. You two seem to get along very well and your whole summer has been defined by this exciting summer fling, or have you decided that this summer love could roll over into the fall semester? That’s the question that you probably want to ask before coming back to school. If you haven’t gotten to that point, yet, you might want to get on that. If you really like each other...cool...but be honest with yourself on how it will be during the fall semester when you are going out to all the parties and tailgates UCF has to offer. If it is going to be a long distant relationship after the summer, make sure you realize what you are getting yourself into before you commit.

Summer classes:

Maybe you are fulfilled a requirement for your program or are trying to graduate early. Taking classes over the summer can be miserable depending on how many courses you are taking. It always seems that when you are getting your study on, everyone else is enjoying their summer. Facebook news feed's are to blame for this. Regardless of the course load, any time spent on courses that are squished into a six or twelve week session is time that you could've been out with your friends on the beach or relaxing by the pool. 

Summer at home:

Taking summer classes can be pretty depressing, but for those who spent the summer having nothing to do and being back home with your parents, I sincerely sympathize with you. Being back home with your parents is not so bad if they don't have you on a tight leash, but as soon as they ask, "Where are you?", at midnight....then it’s a problem. After having that taste of freedom all year at school we just don’t want to let go of it. Any form of restriction or rule that impedes on that freedom is almost unbearable and you can’t wait for the fall semester to begin. Maybe that internship or summer job didn’t sound too bad after all.    

Everyone watching you enjoy summer:

Were you the one going through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find pictures of everyone else enjoying summer? There’s nothing wrong with having fun and living it up, but it's kind of depressing when everyone else is traveling, relaxing and enjoying summer while we were at work, in class, at home, or just dealing with other things that we may have neglected. While I know the pictures are not purposely to make others jealous, they are just students taking time to enjoying the time to travel. I remember one summer when I went backpacking through Europe. I was just living in the moment of the excitement. I wasn’t worried about what others were thinking or feeling.   

The summer that didn’t turn out right:

Some of us made a grand plan for the summer, but things did not quite turn out the way you planned. I’m still working on that beach body. See, what happened was I didn’t go to the gym every day like I thought I would. Oh, and food -- I’ll work that off at the gym. Maybe you had plans to go on a trip or to a concert, but unexpected expenses or pressing events altered your plans. Things happen when we least expect it, but I hope unfortunate events didn't hold many of us back.

Summer reflection:

Whenever I wasn't not working, studying, or partaking in the typical summer shenanigans, I took time to reflect. Summertime is normally when I find out more about myself, friends, family, and life in general. It’s a time to disconnect from the academic and social demands of the past school year. For some, we may realize life was pretty plain and we needed to be more adventurous, courageous, and try new things. Some of us take the summer to regenerate for the new school year or catch up on personal errands. However you spent your summer, I hope you made the most of it!    

Before summer leaves us, enjoy what is left. Spend time with friends, family, and loved ones and have fun. When fall semester begins and you’re getting back into the groove of the hustle and bustle of the academic and social life, you will be able to share how your summer went. I challenge you to make memories and enjoy life!