Soon, we'll be back at school. Even when returning home to a campus as gorgeous as our Alma Mater, there is a certain sadness that accompanies the end of summer.

The trouble is, we're coming to the end of the glory days of sunny months, long vacations full of adventures and pure unadulterated joy. As we picked up part time jobs, then internships, and eventually (fingers crossed) real jobs in our chosen field we unfortunately lose some of the magic that is summer.

We may have finished camps, and our beach-going days may be relegated to the weekends, but there are still so many little things that will delight, inspire, charm, and relax you.

Without further ado, I present this week's list of underrated things. 

Underrated Things: Summer.

Sun-warmed grass under your bare feet.

Going barefoot.

Absence of mosquitoes.

Watching fireworks with someone you care about. 

Seeing little kids having the time of their life at the beach.  

Popsicles.  

When your phone has a lot more charge than you’d expect.  

Fireflies.  

Watching trees or clouds moving in the wind from a hammock.  

Sandcastles. 

Toasted buns for your hot dogs.  

Freckles.  

The smell of sunblock.   

Salty lips and hair. 

Watching the sun set in the late evening.  

Making hand dolphins outside the car window. Extra points if it’s in sync with the music. 

Little kids selling lemonade. If you don’t stop, you’re an actual monster. 

Shells you find in the bottom of your bag or your pockets.  

Dudes can get delicious frozen drinks and it’s no big deal, because they’re “just tryin’ to cool off.”  

Windows open at night for the breeze. 

No pants -- within reason, of course.  

Eating and drinking outdoors.  

The sight of someone who has clearly suffered a self-tanner or Sun-In related mishap. 

Water balloon or squirt gun fights.  

The rush of stepping into an air-conditioned store or darkened movie theater. 

S’mores. 

The number one reason is the knowledge that school is at least a safe month, or so, away,

If you have a topic you want explored on Underrated (or Overrated) Things, email your ideas to UMiamiOdyssey@gmail.com.