The spring semester is finally winding down! Final exams are right around the corner and if you're anything like me, the thought of sun-kissed skin is the only thing keeping you going. As the temperature gets warmer the biggest question we have to ask ourselves is: do we stay in our college town or head back to our home grounds? Mom and dad are begging you to come back but the idea of laying by your apartment complex's pool and hitting up the bars downtown just can't escape your mind. It really is a hard decision, but coming from someone who has experienced both I am going to give you a list of why you need to go home for summer break.

1. Do it for your parents.

Listen, your parents miss you. If they don't tell you everyday it's because they don't want to annoy you, but they do, a lot. Seeing you for a few days over the small amount of breaks we do get throughout the year just isn't enough time to catch up. So if anything, do it for the ones who gave birth to you.

2. You need a break, a real break.

College is extremely tough and summer break is the longest and most wonderful break of the year. You actually get time to relax and hopefully take a break from the heavy course load. This is a perfect opportunity to unwind and relax!

3. Reuniting with high school friends.

Summer is the perfect chance to catch up with high school friends! My friends and I go to schools all over the country and a lot of times, our breaks don't match up. Summer break is the only time we can actually spend some quality time together. Beach trips and late night Cook Out runs are the best ways to rekindle with the friends that got you through your rough high school years.

4. Going back to your high school job.

Working over summer is a great way to stay busy, build up your resume, and make some extra cash! You can always go back to a job you had in high school. It's nice to go back to something you know and familiar faces. If not, you can find a new job and live at home so the money you do make goes straight in your pocket!

5. Family Vacations!

Can you imagine a summer where you aren't stuck in a car for hours at a time going to a destination you parents are dragging you to. Yeah, family vacations can be rough but the end result is always fun. Whether it is a family reunion across the country or site seeing across the world, spending time with family and sharing some laughs is a good way to spend summer break. If you aren't home you won't get to enjoy the fun vacations. Do it while you still can or you'll regret when you're older.

So go home! Spend time outdoors, make some mulla, and make memories with the people who love you the most. We only get one summer break a year so make it last and make it something memorable!