So, I graduated college a little over two weeks ago, and honestly, it hasn't fully hit me yet. I'm sure it will at the end of summer when everyone is complaining about pouring their life savings into text books, but until then, it just feels like another summer.
I've always had a love-hate relationship with summer. On one hand, it's great because you don't have to sit through your most boring class anymore, spend hours doing homework or even worry about trying to find a time that fits your classmates' schedules to finish a group project.
On the other hand, there are some things that I really don't like about summer. Here's a list of those things.
1. You can't see your friends.
I know a lot of people that are lucky enough to live less than an hour away from their college pals. Unfortunately, however, I'm not so lucky. No matter how far you are from your buds, it's still a lot easier when you only live a five minute or less walk away.
2. No set schedule.
I know this might seem like a great thing. But if you're anything like me, free time is a love-hate relationship. I don't know what it means to relax. I need to be constantly doing something or else I'll go crazy. It's nice not being forced to do things you don't want to do, like sit through a math class. However, once you've checked off your to-do list, what do you do now?
3. Applying for jobs seems never-ending.
Every summer I came home from college, I applied to a million jobs. I'd go to interviews and everything would go well, until they realized that I went to school four hours away and couldn't come home regularly. It was super tough and I couldn't wait for school to start back up so I could go back to work and put some money in the bank.
Applying this summer is even more intense. Now I can work for as long as I'm needed, but I also have to fight to prove myself for a job in my field. I go a little more crazy with each cover letter. (But at least it gives me something to fill up my time... I guess?)
4. You miss your organizations.
Sororities, debate teams, writing for the newspaper. No matter what club/organization you're in, it's hard not to miss being involved on a regular basis. I've learned some great skills and met some amazing people through being involved in various groups. I miss weekly meetings and assignments already, especially with graduating and realizing I'll never get to participate in those specific organizations again.
Other than that, summer's great. You get to see your pets, go on adventures, have a nice tan, catch up on sleep, and most importantly, not have the stress of school.
No matter what you do, try to make every day count. Even if you don't have anything productive to do, you can still enjoy your day. Pick up a hobby, watch a movie, read a book. It's summer. The possibilities are endless. Live it up and enjoy it.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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