So my friend and I decided to take a trip to Machu Picchu over winter break this year. We decided this last week. I know. It sounds entirely crazy. It kind of is. But I've realized that I, like all other college students, deserve to splurge every once in a while.

I have gone back and forth probably about a billion times on whether or not I should take the trip with my friend. My thought process was pretty much

"I want to go"

"But it's expensive"

"I'll never get an opportunity like this again"

"But I'll lose so much money in missed wages"

"My boyfriend offered to help me pay for it"

"But I'll feel guilty for using his hard earned money to help me do something fun while I leave him behind to work while I explore"

I had this conversation in my head about fifty times per day every day at least for the last two weeks. My boyfriend has convinced me that I need to do this.

But why?

Because I deserve it. We all deserve to splurge every once in a while. I'm not saying go drop ten grand on a trip you can't afford at all, but if you can squeeze it, make it work! Do it for yourself. Do it because you'll never get this opportunity again. Once you graduate from college you'll be doing nothing but working for years until you are able to get a promotion and have a nice enough job that you get a paid vacation and make enough money to actually afford to go on vacation. Sound depressing? I know, right? Hopefully you're at least going to college for a career that you love so those years spent working instead of traveling are still enjoyed. Even then, you need to do what your heart yearns for. Travel if that's what you desire. Bury yourself in research that will not benefit your career at all if that's what you wish.

Splurge not only with your money, but with your time and with your heart. Live your life while you are young and able. Don't just wither away behind your books and your career. Live. Splurge.