If I had a dollar for every time I said "I can't, I have work", I wouldn't even have to work anymore. Working two retail jobs this summer, I've encountered hundreds of customers, folded and censored thousands of clothes, missed out on so many events with friends, and lost a little bit of my soul in the process.

But I refuse to believe that anything in life doesn't come with a learning lesson. If you are a student who also worked their summer away, I'm sure there were countless times you've wanted to fake sick or just not show up. And there were probably moments where you felt like it just wasn't fair that you had to work this hard. I appreciated the hours and the opportunity to be able to make money, but it was hard waking up early in the summer and not being able to just live my life. But at the end of the day life, isn't fair.

Though it may just be a retail job or waitressing or scooping ice cream, we've experienced a taste of the real world. Whether it be dealing with an infuriated customer, a snappy manager, getting to work on time, or putting a smile on your face no matter how you were feeling, there are so many situations you have learned and ultimately grown from. I'm truly thankful to my parents for raising me to understand that nothing in life gets handed to you, and everything is achieved with hard work and persistence. You don't get a prize for working, it's expected. But at the end of the day, the reward is that you're able to provide for yourself. You learn the value of a dollar. I'm able to buy my own textbooks, necessities, and go out with my friends without asking my parents for anything, and I'm proud of that. Your independence is something you should be proud of, too.

Before when my summers were free, I could see whoever, do whatever, and go wherever I wanted, but now I have to find the time. It makes getting brunch with friends, beach trips, and family outings that much more valuable and special. You realize who you make time for and time is so much more precious when you don't have much of it.

So whenever you're feeling down because of the days at the pool you missed, road trips you weren't on, or just not being able to sleep in (me), remember that this is all shaping you to be a better person and an opportunity for growth. When you're sitting at your desk at the job of your dreams you're going to thank yourself for pushing yourself. And of course, your bank account will thank you.