Let’s face it, summer break has this allure to it that makes us envision parties and adventures and bonfires and days by the pool - especially when we’re still trapped studying for finals. I know I found myself dreaming of summer. But now that summer’s really here, things are, uh, different. Here are six expectations that I probably spent the most time thinking about:
1. Adventure
I think my first mistake was following all those artistic, aesthetic photography accounts on Instagram. After leaving my last class and driving home from college, I had enough time to dream about the adventures I’d hoped to go on over the summer. I envisioned I’d wake up to chase sunrises, or that I’d visit new cafés and drink the fanciest coffees.
The reality is that I’m working a full-time job, plus an internship. The only sunrise I’ll chase is the one on the highway to my job at 8 AM, and the only coffee I’ll be drinking is whatever is conveniently at home while I work on projects.
2. Sleep
My sleep schedule in college was actually not awful, although I knew it could be better. I got really lucky during finals, and I had plenty of time to study and sleep! I thought I’d get even more rest over the summer because I didn’t have to worry about reports or work.
The thing about not having homework hanging over my head is that I tend to allow myself to fill that time with texting and just scrolling through social media. (Clearly, I haven’t taken my own advice to heart, wow.) I think I’ve been getting less sleep since moving back into my room at home; even though I stay up much later than I did during the school year, I’m still waking up just as early as I did? Still trying to figure that one out.
3. Diet & Exercise
My dietary habits at college were, well, less than stellar. But I would console myself by saying things like, “Oh, no problem! I can get back on track this summer!” I had such grand plans to eat right and workout when I got home from college. I even went on Pinterest and made a whole new board for healthy recipes and smoothies and workouts!
So far, I’m two weeks into my summer and I’ve already eaten over a dozen donuts and the exercise I do is strictly limited to the dancing I do while I clean my house. At this point, I try to ignore the healthy pins when I scroll through Pinterest because they’re really just there to shame me. For some reason, I keep telling people that I’m gonna be healthy “next week, for sure” but the truth is that the $6 box of homemade donuts feels so much more rewarding than any push-ups could.
4. Friends
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I’m still really great friends with people back home, and I made great friends with people on campus that live relatively close to me. As the year drew closer to the end, I tended to make plans and promises to visit everyone over the summer. It didn’t even matter that I live in New York and they live in Michigan - that’s not that far away!
I’ve only really gone out of my way to spend time with two people. Which, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy getting to spend time with some of my bestest friends! I just lose all motivation to drive places when I think about how much gas costs and that it actually requires coordinating schedules. It was so much easier to get dinner when dinner is at the same time every single night.bestest friends! I just lose all motivation to drive places when I think about how much gas costs and that it actually requires coordinating schedules. It was so much easier to get dinner when dinner is at the same time every single night.bestest friends! I just lose all motivation to drive places when I think about how much gas costs and that it actually requires coordinating schedules. It was so much easier to get dinner when dinner is at the same time every single night.bestest friends! I just lose all motivation to drive places when I think about how much gas costs and that it actually requires coordinating schedules. It was so much easier to get dinner when dinner is at the same time every single night.bestest friends! I just lose all motivation to drive places when I think about how much gas costs and that it actually requires coordinating schedules. It was so much easier to get dinner when dinner is at the same time every single night.
5. Home Living
As much as I loved dorm life, I was looking forward to settling back into my room at home. Home is where the heart is! And by “heart” I mean free coffee, cable television, and a truly private bathroom. I partially blame my mother for my illusions here, because she promised to make all my favorite food and to buy me all the snacks I wanted (What can I say? She’s pretty great).
Oh, but the luxury quickly fades when I try to reconnect all my personal devices to our already-overcrowded wifi, or when I realize the HORROR that is unpacking all of my college things and organizing my room - a process that may never actually end. To be fair, though, my fantasy of a private bathroom came true and it’s so nice to finally get some peace and quiet in there, let me tell you.
6. DOGS
Probably my biggest struggle when transitioning to college life was that I had to say goodbye to my puppy. He may be chubby but I love him anyways! I was so excited to go home and just scoop the little goober up and rub his belly.
The reality is: I did! Out of all my summer expectations, this one really didn’t let me down. I’ve spent quality time with my puppy every single day and I’m so thrilled about it. All I’m really getting out of this point is that dogs will never let you down. Also, I just wanted an excuse to talk about my dog and show you all pictures of him because my photo album on my phone is filled.
Even though my actual summer may not meet up with the dreams I had in my head beforehand, I really have nothing to complain about. The days are longer and I’m getting plenty of sun. And, you know what? I’m definitely gonna start working out any day now!
