Graduating from high school is one of the greatest achievements you can make. In a lot of ways, it feels like the start of the rest of your life; like the first step into adulthood. However, too many of us make the mistake of trying to grow up quickly after graduation.

Personally, I spent my summer after graduation working way too much. I had a job at a popular amusement park in my area, and getting forty hours a week was no problem. So, most of my time was filled by working outside in the sun and getting the worst farmer's tan I've ever seen in my entire life. Seriously, polo tan lines are no joke.

Any time I wasn't working, I was crashed out in my bed trying to catch up on sleep. Looking back, I sort of became a workaholic. My only focus was to make enough money for my first semester of college. I wanted to make sure I had a cushion to sit on, but I gave up my mental health in the process.

I gave up spending time with my friends. I gave up my hobbies. I gave up going out to de-stress. As ridiculous as it may sound, I gave up fun.

While the summer after graduation is the perfect time to get on your grind and prepare for your life in the "real world," it is also the last summer you have before you officially have to let go of a big part of your childhood. Whatever it is you're doing come fall, whether you're going to college or going into some sort of trade, this is your time to let loose. This is your time to go on adventures, make a few mistakes, and savor every last moment life has to offer you.

Go to work and do what your adult life requires of you this summer, but don't let your life pass you by in the process.