A few months ago, as I was planning out my summer vacation, being back home was not a part of the plan. I had gotten an interview with Clevver entertainment for an editorial position in New York City; my absolute dream internship. I didn't have much experience and I had only just finished my second year of college, but something was just telling me that this internship is where I would be spending my summer. Something was telling me that this internship was mine.

It wasn't.

Immediately, I was a bit torn down without letting anyone know. Why was I not good enough? What did I do wrong? I thought the interview went great, so why didn't I get the internship?

I never once considered the simple fact that perhaps there was just someone who was slightly more prepared for the position. I immediately tore myself down rather than accepting what was probably the truth: that this internship just wasn't a part of my summer plan.

Now, as Summer is coming to an end, I have come to a realization: I am OK.

In fact, I am thankful that this internship wasn't a part of my plan for this Summer, because if it was, I would not have experienced the things that I did: new friendships, tons of new writing experience and what could be my last summer back home.

I know now that if I had gotten this internship, I would not have been fully equipped and experienced for it. I would have taken a major position knowing that I wasn't ready for it. So, instead of continuing to drown in my sorrow, I brushed my self off and got to work.

First thing was first: I wanted to write. So, I wrote as much as I could. I had the wonderful opportunity to become EIC of my university's Odyssey community, and there is nothing that I love more. I got a position as a staff writer for my university's magazine, which is one thing I have wanted for over a year now. I even got the news that one of my short stories will be published in a South Carolina's Emerging Writers series.

I have had so many opportunities to gain experience in such a short amount of time and I already feel more prepared for next summer when I go on my Summer internship hunt again.

This summer, I have made so many new friendships, which I would not have made had I not been home for the Summer. I have become closer than ever to old friends and closer than ever to new friends. The memories that I have made this Summer are memories that will last a lifetime.

Most importantly, I had the opportunity to spend one more Summer back in my hometown. With more experience, I plan to apply for internships again next Summer. This means that this could very well have been my last Summer back home, and I am thankful that I got to spend it with the ones that I love.

I thought it was the end of the world whenever I didn't get my dream internship, but I now realize that my dream doesn't have to come to an end. I made the best of what I had this summer and I am so thankful for it.

I'll try again next year and if it is meant to be, it will be.