We have all tried to ignore it, push it aside, or sweep it under the rug, but eventually we can no longer deny that the days are getting shorter, meaning school is just around the corner. Soon days of sleeping in, long weekend vacations and the warm sand between our toes will be but a cherished memory. As we unwillingly accept that we are heading back to school these are some thoughts that run through our heads.

1. Wait... summer is over?

Between the countless activities we fill up our summers with, whether it be baseball games under the lights, work and internships, or relaxing days on the beach, it is hard to believe how fast time flies when you are having fun. Although, school does bring much of its own fun and excitement, nothing is like

that piece of mind knowing you do not have an exam around the corner.

2. Why do I have to take underwater basket weaving to get my degree?

I cannot count the number of times where someone has asked why I am taking a specific class and I shake my head and say, "because I need it for my degree." Sure, taking math makes sense with an engineering degree but basket weaving? I don't think so.

3. Am I going to get along with my roommates?

You become painfully aware that you will be leaving your bedroom and moving into a jail cell like closet. To top things off, it is with a complete stranger. After spending years trying to find the balance of peace living with your siblings and parents you can only hope that you and your roommate will get along. Are they a night owl like you? Will they respect your space? Will you be able to agree on what temperature the thermostat gets set at?

4. Will I like my professors and classmates?

Thanks to websites like ratemyprofessors.com we can get an idea of what our teacher will be like before we even get to class. Student reviews of thousands of teachers are available to us, revealing the difficulty of the teacher, all the way to funny accents or their strangest habits. What we do not know is what kind of classmates we will have. Will we be in a class that likes to participate and brings a level of energy to the classroom, or will we be a class that sits there watching the clock? Will there be that one student who always argues with the teacher, or the student that won't stop talking? After all, it is a game of chance and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

5. Do I really need this textbook?

The teacher says the book is required but maybe it is not really required." This is perhaps the most common thought that goes through our heads as we stand in front of the bookshelf looking at the 250 dollar price tag. Sure, you can get lucky and find a good deal online or even rent them, but seriously teachers, that special edition book with the access code that can only be bought at the book store? Please, cut us a break!

6. You get to see all your friends again

After months of sharing text messages and funny Snapchat pictures, you get to be re-united with your friends. The great part of college is meeting people from all over the state, country, and even the world. These friendships made in college can last a lifetime and hanging out with that person is certainly missed over the summer.

7. You are one step closer to your end goal

We are in college because we want to be. You realize that you will soon come into contact with hundreds of students that share your passion and are all working toward a goal. Not only that, but you realize that starting this semester will bring you one step closer to landing the job you have worked so tirelessly for.

8. You will soon be on your own again

There is an exciting feeling of independence that comes with leaving home. When you head for college you know that you will get to call all the shots. It is thrilling being able to get a feel for what life is like away from your parents. Being responsible for everything in your life, such as cooking and cleaning, brings a level of satisfaction knowing that you can make it on your own.

9. Am I on the right path?

As you head off to college you think about where you were and where you are now. You question the person you were and who you have become. You reminisce on all the memories made and the journey so far. You think about the future and what it has in store. In the end, I think we can all smile to ourselves knowing that we are about to, once again, begin a new chapter of our lives.