I wasn't really expecting much out of my summer at first since I had no big vacation plans or time-consuming assignments to complete before the school year started. After being accepted into the St. Thomas of Villanova Scholars program just weeks before graduation that changed. I found myself scrambling to get basic dorm necessities before starting the three-week program, but before that, I had other plans.

Three days after graduating I left for a Workcamp sponsored by my diocese. I spent a week taking part in a variety of projects including building a deck, sealing a roof, and installing a new front door all while spending a massive amount of time singing along to worship music, praying, and getting to know the people on my crew.

I only stayed at home for a week before leaving again for my summer program at Villanova which I was actually dreading at first. I wasn't looking forward to facing all of the discomforts of college and being surrounded by complete strangers. That quickly changed though as I now feel more prepared than ever for the next four years and have already formed some great friendships.

Throughout the duration of the program, we even got to participate in UNITAS weekend. Let me just say group 17 is definitely one of the best and Dorney Park was probably the highlight of my summer. Although, I've got to say matching shirts are not my thing. Nevertheless, it was cool to meet some of my future classmates I had previously only known from Instagram and Snapchat.

After coming back home to the DC area I drove down to the Outer Banks with my family for a beach vacation. Having spent three weeks away from them, undeniably missing them, our beach trip was by far one of our best family vacations. For the first time, I didn't find myself craving alone time, I treasured the moments we had and still think about that crab quesadilla I had.

The rest of my summer was filled with many lazy days, packing, and dorm shopping. Having yet to complete any of the online freshmen requirements, and having not finished packing, I sit here writing this article only four days before my move-in day reminiscing on this summer. My last summer before officially embarking on my college journey. Excited, nervous, and eager to know what's in store for me I'll cook myself one last homemade quesadilla and go shopping with my mom one last time before going back to the dining hall food on campus and the good old dorm life.

All photos: Joselyn Miranda