Summer is seen as a time of pure relaxation, bonfires, and vacations. As a child, you long for the glorious months of June, July, and August to come around. However, summer starts to lose its charm as you get older. Think back to your senior year of high school. That summer was a time of many complex emotions. You realized that your life was about to change greatly as you got ready to take the next steps in your life. From the hordes of graduation parties to saying goodbye to your high school friends, you saw a lot. You realized that your summer would never be that same carefree time again.
As you completed your first year of college, you realized how much you have changed. Your friends, your attitude, and your emotions. Going home for the summer sounds great at first. However, after a while at home, you realize how much you miss your college environment. You in a way see your college environment as your home. All of your high school friends aren't necessarily your go-to friends anymore, too. Everyone changes when they leave home. These changes aren't necessarily bad, but they help you mold your own identity. You make friends in high school because you're with them everyday. In college, you make friends by having common interests, through activities, and even your major.
In addition, coming home from college makes you realize how much money you spent the past year. You end up working ludicrous amounts of hours to try and cover all of your late-night trips to McDonald's. Luckily, you have the choice of taking an internship if you do not want to take a lackluster job at your local convenience store. Also, there is nothing wrong with taking that not-so-fun kind of job. Money is money. You have to remember that you won't be at that fast food restaurant for long. You can even look for jobs at some of your favorite clothing stores. Almost all retail stores hire seasonal summer employees. You can also get great discounts by working at these stores. I work seasonally at a Hot Topic and love getting new clothes for the coming year at a discounted price. You also realize that you do not want to spend all of your time at home with your parents. Being away at school makes you want to be independent in many aspects. You live by YOUR rules at school. It's not preferable to go home and be told what to do for everything.
Moreover, you have the complex issue of choosing whether or not to get your body back in shape for school, or binge-watch an entire season of a show on Netflix. You will hear everyone talk about how they can't wait to get back into shape. However, that isn't always the case. You can make this challenge more approachable by doing a basic workout routine during the school year. A week's worth of exercise can combat that beer belly. Summer is the perfect time to get yourself back into shape and make your body a lot healthier.
In conclusion, summer is not as fun when you are in college. You reminisce frequently on all of the great times you had the previous school year. You find yourself frequently going through those pictures from that party on that crazy weekend. You miss your college friends beyond measure. You even plan ahead for crazy, fun things you can do the next year. The summer ends up being a nice break from school, but in a way, you want to go back early. However, we all end up doing the same thing. We work our butts off so we can have the funds for the coming year. From my perspective, summer is what you make it. It isn't ideal, but it's a reality we all face. Summer is pretty much three months of preparation for the coming year that you long for.
