The fireworks have been fired off, burgers have been grilled, and we are all sunburned from spending too much time at the lake. The Fourth of July has passed, and with it, summer is officially halfway over. Suddenly, stores are beginning to advertise back to school specials for all the essentials needed by students across the country. Instead of carrying everything that is red, white, and blue, your favorite store (which everyone knows is Target) is now carrying matching bedroom sets and mini refrigerators.

College is right around the corner again; whether you're a soon-to-be freshman or you are heading into your senior year, the school year will be here before you know it. It's time to order books and contact roommates to make sure you will have the essentials taken care of. Yes, you do need at least two sets of silverware, and you can never have too many pots and pans! Use that graduation money to buy the important things (like a Keurig!).

Now that it's hit you that summer will be gone before you know it, you're probably wondering what will happen to your summer love. Will your new relationship be able to handle it when you move away in the fall? You've had the perfect date to go dancing, swimming at the lake, and exploring with. Instagram is full of your adventures together, and your friends are all jealous of your perfect romance that seems like it is straight out of "The Notebook" minus the constant fighting. Take lots of pictures and make lots of memories. Even if your summer romance doesn't make it through the school year, at least you had one heck of a time while it lasted.

Cherish the summer of 2016. When we grow up and have to make it in the real world, we won't have summer vacations; we'll have to work. (Gross.) Spend as much time as you can with friends. Take a weekend road trip, visit new many places, and cherish every moment. Summer will be over soon and the tan will fade, but make sure the memories never do.