For people still in school, summer break is like the light at the end of the tunnel that we look forward to all year. And, time after time, it never disappoints. Summer brings opportunities and experiences that we can't really experience at any other time of the year. Here are a handful of my favorite things about summer break:

1. No classes

The most relieving part of having summer break, is the break. No more waking up for 8AM classes, no more boring teachers, no more class every day.

2. No homework

With no classes, comes no work to do after class. Finally, our evenings aren't reserved for spending hours with a textbook and we're free to do anything.

3. Warm weather, all day, every day

Summer weather is the best weather. We can actually go outside and enjoy it, without hiding under layers and layers of jackets.

4. Trips to the beach

There's nothing like piling a bunch of your friends or family members in the car and heading to the beach for the day.

5. Hanging out around the pool.

Whether you need some exercise, or just a chill way to cool off, the pool is always there to satisfy.

6. Not feeling guilty about being lazy

Binge-watching an entire series in a day feels a little bit more okay when you know you're not procrastinating a 20-page paper.

7. Eating ice cream & ice pops every day

I mean, I basically still do this every day in the winter, but it's more enjoyable and socially acceptable when it's warm out and you use iced treats to "cool off."

8. Having time do get stuff done

We finally have time to check things off on our to-do list and bucket list, without school and other responsibilities getting in the way.

9. Barbecues

Nothing says summer like the smell of burgers grilling on a barbecue.

10. Getting tan

No more pale girl problems— but be careful, the line between sun tan and the dreaded sun burn is thin.

11. Celebrating the Fourth of July

Whether you celebrate on the beach, in someone's back yard, or at your local parade, the Fourth of July is always a fun way to show your American pride— and a good excuse to celebrate.

12. Summer clothes

Goodbye sweaters and jeans, hello crop tops and short shorts!

13. Eating outside

Food just seems to taste better when you enjoy it outside in the fresh air, with the sun shining down on you.

14. Bonfires

One of my best summer memories is sitting with my friends around a bonfire, making s'mores, and talking the night away.

15. Most fruit is in season

Cherries, strawberries, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, plums, nectarines, blackberries, avocados, peppers, blueberries, grapes, mangoes, peaches—summer comes with all of our favorite fruit in their best conditions!

16. Driving with the windows down

Driving with the heat on, in the car can make a small space feel even more stuffy— the fresh air pouring in through the windows just seems to make everything seem more tranquil.

17. Ice cream trucks

Why does ice cream always seem to taste better when you get it from a musical van that drives up and down the street? And how do I get this ice-cream-truck-jingle out of my head?

18. Not having to wear shoes.

No shoes, no problem.

19. The satisfaction of jumping into cool water on a hot day

There's no way to cool down instantly like jumping into water—whether it's a pool, ocean, lake, river, or even a cold shower.

20. And hanging out with all your friends.

All of your friends are home together, with no schoolwork to take up their time. We have to cherish these times and memories, because as the years go by, these occurrences will get fewer and fewer. Hanging out with my friends is my favorite part of summer, and the memories we've made will last me a lifetime.