I know what it feels like. It feels like everyone you graduated high school with is now embarking on all these grand and spontaneous adventures across the country, or even across the world. That girl you had Spanish class with is studying abroad in Italy. That guy you had a major crush on is now announcing to Facebook that he is moving to California. One of your friends is taking a break from school and focusing on traveling around the country. They all make it seem easy. And let's be real, some people can (luckily) afford that. But honestly, you have nothing to feel ashamed about. Even though it seems like everyone your age is out and about making all of these adventures that you so crave a reality, there are a ton of college kids just like you who are struggling to even keep a steady budget. Growing up is hard, and it's especially hard when you're being told by society that your 20's are the time of your life and you should go make the most out of it. While at the same time, you can't really do much because you are basically poor. Trust me, I get irritated and upset too. And yes, I will admit it, I get insanely jealous of those who can just get up and walk out the door with a suitcase in their hand, bound for new escapades and that spontaneity in their soul. Trust me, I want it so badly. But what I've learned at 21 is to compromise until I get there myself. Someday, I'll have my chance, and so will you. But right now, you have to make the most out of what you have. And there are ways.
An adventure is an adventure, no matter how small. Don't automatically think of this extravagant vacation to Europe, backpacking around the country, spending so much on fine dining and the best tour guides. Someday, you just might get there. But for now, let's think realistically, and what you can spend within your means. You're that college kid who is on a budget. Mind you that these ideas range from simple, to more planning. Time to get old school.
Join organizations that broaden your perspective.
Take cooking classes, book clubs or that dance class that you always wanted to join, but never had the courage to. I wish I would have done some of these things sooner in my life because you really do learn a lot. I want to read more (and I mean, I should because I'm an English major) because your imagination expands the more you read. I think that's important in life. I also think doing simple things like joining book club and cooking classes help you to understand that even the littler things in life are important, and it'll make you appreciate the simple details and to not get so caught up in extravagant living. As for that dance class, it's great exercise and it's fun. Why not?
Mini-road trip across your state.
The more people, the cheaper it will be on certain things, such as food, gas and lodging. You can even be a little bit risque and decide to sleep in your car or tent somewhere. Just make sure you're safe and cautious at all times while enduring this. If you can't afford to do something out of state or just travel the country, then keep it small and start off with making stops around your state. For example, my friends and I are planning to have a mini-road trip in Wisconsin this summer. Honestly, that sounds really exciting for me. It's what you make of it that matters the most.
Hiking and biking!
The best thing about hiking or biking, is that the boundaries are endless -- the adventure is practically limitless. You get great exercise, and there is something exciting about traveling with no windows or car doors. Just you, the fresh summer air and the free sights. Why not? Bring along your camera and snap a bunch of photos to document your little adventures.
Check out the nearest (or farthest) art gallery.
Some people have created this notion that art museums are lame and a total yawn. I beg to differ. Honestly, if you're looking for something to do this summer that doesn't cost that much, then go to an art gallery with some friends, or by yourself. Afterwards, hit up the nearest coffee shop and do some research on some of the artists that you learned about. Sounds nerdy, but being nerdy can be so much fun. An afternoon at the museum sounds really relaxing to me.
Sleep on the beach.
This one is pretty straight forward. I would bring some friends along though, just in case. Find a beach, set up a campfire, gather around and talk about life, crack some jokes, catch up, talk about goals and dreams, and then fall asleep under the stars and listen to the waves crashing onto the shore. Sweet dreams. Sounds heavenly to me.
I think a true adventure is how it makes you feel afterwards, if you gained anything and if you just feel happy and content. I think it's what you make it. It doesn't have to be this crazy trip around the world, or even a few states down. An adventure is what you experience on a personal level. So when you get all wrapped up in "feeling behind" in college life by comparing yourself to others who are going on all of those crazy insane adventures, don't sweat it. You're young. Just make yourself happy, and the rest will come.
