Summer break went by pretty fast this year. It's like when August comes, "back to school" is the initial thought. Personally, that went from a sad to an anticipated feeling as the years went by. It is so hot in South Carolina and I'm always in and out, en route to work or home. Speaking of work, working several jobs has become the newest struggle for me. I am tired all the time, I don't eat healthy and I feel so out of routine. I have become such a college kid!

College is lit, but challenging. It's like a pre-corporate America, where you can get a promotion at the end to a career that reflects your passionate talent or maybe a job because you have a degree or worst, nothing because you were way too lit (for those who didn't know what lit or litty was). After a few years of being in such an environment, returning back to an even smaller town where you are limited and not really sociable is such a letdown.

While I'm at work, I remind myself that I won't do this forever and that motivates me to do my best work. I use my summer jobs as practice for good work ethic and it often gets noticed. I must admit that sometimes I get so bored in retail. They call me the "Recovery Queen" (for those who know retail) but there are only so many pictures I can upload of my perfect rounder of Cami's to Instagram or Facebook.

Working near a resort location, I engage with so many tourists from around the world. I'm always learning about some place new or a different culture. I am so inspired to travel by the end of my day. It's amazing to me that I can go to another continent, country, state or city and the way of life will be different from mine. I've learned to appreciate diversity more and more as I get older.

Lastly, attending Claflin University, the prestigious university she is, I will always feel obligated to do more. I love to have multiple income streams and maintain a steady bank account but I also love to do things that matter and challenge myself. By the end of summer I am always so encouraged to return to school and give my all so that I won't have to work all day everyday, on my feet, just to barely afford my desired lifestyle. A girl has dreams! I NEED and CLAIM a successful career after college. I am all for "a 9-5 just to stay alive"…temporarily!

Struggle and disappointment can cause the best motivation. So whenever I get aggravated with living back at home or exhausted from working long hours, I can turn that negativity into positivity by focusing on my future and my goals. Planning for my own home I will be able to afford soon and shopping for my professional wardrobe makes me smile every time. An extended break from anything can either make you miss it or forget it. So before I forget everything I've learned over the past three years, I need to get back to the books and keep praying for that promotion.