Now that summer has officially begun, and I am officially a college sophomore, something feels different about this summer. Most of my high school friends are home for the summer, but the memories we once shared every summer while in high school seem to have faded away. It's fun to catch up and see how their year went, but something just seems a little bit off about the whole situation.

All of my friends from home have changed in one way or another, even if they did stay home for college. We all have found ourselves in new ways, which makes us a bit of a new people. Therefore, the get-togethers we use to have seem to have a whole new set of people in attendance. Yes, we are still able to laugh and joke like before, but everyone has their new friends on their minds. The town feels the same, but the people in it seem to have changed.

Also, going back to high school for a visit seems like a total new world. The underclassmen friends you once had just seem a little off to you. You want to shout out about all the fun things you've done in college, but frankly, no one seems to be listening. They all just want to top your story with one of their own.

The thing that is the most off about coming home for summer is the college friends you have made aren't with you to continue the fun you've had at college. These people have become like a second family; you've seen them everyday, lived with them, and laughed with them, yet, they are so distant at this time.

Therefore, my advice for you this summer is to rekindle the flames with your old high school friends. Make the memories that you once had in high school, and stay in close contact with those college buddies, because in just 3 months, you will be united.