Summertime... even the word just brings me great joy. Summer is a great time since the sun is out longer, it gives you more time to make so many memories with new and old friends! I feel like a reason why I may think summer is the best time of the year is because I am from New Jersey, and yes, what you hear is probably true. We spend our summers "down the shore" (not at the beach!) where we lay out on the sand all day and eat the best pizza from the boardwalks! Being down the shore can automatically make me feel better no matter what I am going through, and I believe that is because of all of the amazing memories I have at the beach! Meeting people at the beach is surprisingly easier than you would think it is, probably because everyone is happy to be there and ready to socialize! If you have never been to a NJ beach, I would recommend going at least once in your lifetime, although you may be surprised when you realize it is not like the show "The Jersey Shore".

An additional reason why I love summertime is because I get to reunite with my hometown friends all summer long. We get to recreate memories from high school by going to our favorite diners and hangout spots that we went to when we were 16. Although it's sad to leave all of my college friends. At Penn State, we always visit each other over summer vacation where we can travel together and do things outside of our study groups! Bringing my PSU friends to my small hometown where they get to meet all of my best friends is one of the best feelings, especially since they all get along so well! Trust me when I say that having your two friend groups combine can be awkward at first, but within no time they will warm up to each other and the memories you make will be unforgettable!

Hopefully me writing about all of my happy summer time moments will allow you to think about your summertime memories!