At 7:30 am, I emerge from the front door of my house, sporting a summery sundress and cardigan, backpack and lunch bag in tow. I step outside to make the trek to my car so that I can drive to work, and am greeted by a familiar chill—this is the third cold morning this week, signaling fall’s inevitable return. Frustrated at the unwelcome change of season, I grit my teeth and growl, and whirl around to retrieve a jacket from inside.

The rain is beginning to return, the sun is setting sooner, and the leaves are starting to change. And I'm bitter. Not because I hate the rain, or the season of fall—I love them dearly. I’m bitter because my summer “break” wasn’t much of one at all.

Like most of my college friends, this summer I worked full time and went to school. The promise of relaxation and rejuvenation is pretty much shattered when you find yourself submerged in a schedule that’s even worse than spring’s. And what’s more, most of your friends have moved home for the summer, or also have schedules as crazy as yours, so that makes finding time to spend with them and enjoy yourselves even more difficult.

I don’t mean to sound ungrateful—I love my job, and am blessed to have the opportunity to get an education. But I haven't had really any time to enjoy this gorgeous season, and rest up after the craziness of the school year. And I’m exhausted. I’m burned out.

At this point, I’m preparing myself for the return of school, and reconnecting with all of my friends. I know I’ll be asked the common question, “How was your summer?” At this point, if somebody asked me that, I would laugh in their face. Because my summer break was pretty much a joke.

I just keep reminding myself that someday when I have my degree and a job, I won’t have to fret about the changing of the seasons, and can actually enjoy them. I knew that this summer wasn't going to be easy. I knew what I was getting into. It was supposed to be a time of growth and uncomfortable change, and very little time to take it all in. And I know that it’s all going to be worth it in the end.

Until then, this one’s for the kids like me.

The kids who had to work full time, and didn’t have the time, much less the money to go anywhere fun during break.

The kids who worked so hard that they ran themselves completely dry, and ended up craving a weekend at home with their parents over going out on Saturday night.

The kids who didn’t even consider pursuing a summer romance, because they knew they wouldn’t have the time for it anyways.

The kids who put in the grind work to make those desperately-needed dollars, and chase their crazy dreams.

And especially to the kids who work fast food or any sort of customer service job, and had to deal with angry, over-heated customers all summer. Bless your sweet souls.

May your hard work pay off, and may you fully enjoy your future successes. You deserve them.