This was my last summer as a high-schooler! I will be going into my senior year when school starts which means next summer I will be getting ready to move into college (still doesn't feel like I should be so close to entering the early stages of adulting). When I entered high school I was given so much advice on what to expect and how to act. Honestly, no amount of advice giving could have prepared me for high school. So many people surprised me in who they turned out to be and what decisions they made that have changed their future. This was the first summer I wasn't really worried about anything. I decided to make decisions for myself and see where they took me. I can honestly say that was one of the best choices I've ever made. I have had such an amazing summer full of amazing friends and memories. So here's 5 things I learned this summer that I will carry with me for the rest of my life!

1. Cherish every minute of your time

Living like you have all the time in the world is a foolish thing to do, and it's something I still struggle with. It's easy to blow off plans with people or avoid a social gathering because you know that there will be a "next time." I totally understand that sometimes you're in a bad mood or don't feel good, but sometimes you just have to realize that the time we have is right now. I used to only follow through or commit to well thought out plans, but this summer has taught me that some of the most fun times are the days spent at the moment. Cherish the time you have with the people who love you because you won't have it forever.

2. Keep good company

Summertime for many brings a lot of free time and a looser schedule. In a lot of ways, this is a great thing because you get to spend time the way you want and hang out with people you might not always get the chance to be with. However, a looser schedule also gives you the freedom to make many more decisions that you might not make during the school year. Be careful what circles you fall into. Although parties and things like that might be fun in the moment, they can bring you around people you're not normally around. As long as you know your boundaries and remember the people that will motivate you to achieve success, summer can be so much fun. On the same note, I've also learned to keep good, drama free, company. Have people around you that just want to have fun! Not everything should be an issue or an argument with other people. It's summertime, so just have a good time! Often times the people you choose to be around will rub off on you, and that can be positively or negatively. Choose your inner circle carefully!

3. Just because it's summer doesn't mean you can't keep learning.

This summer I was blessed with two amazing opportunities. The first being a leadership camp at a center for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and the second being a school for children with autism. These were two things I had to work towards and apply for, so it was something I dedicated myself to. I learned patience to deal with frustrating situations. I learned that love is a universal language, despite communication barriers. I was thrilled to meet such amazing people. With that being said, it wasn't always so "sunshiney" and easy. I had to wake up at 7 every morning while my friends stayed out late and slept in. There were many mornings where I asked myself why I even decided to do this. I still had to keep myself on a schedule, even though it was summertime! I spent a total of six hours a week just in driving time! However, I am so grateful to have experienced this. I think a lot of people view summer as a time to just relax and hangout.. while there's nothing wrong with this I encourage you to find opportunities that interest you. Summer can be a time for you to focus on opportunities that make your future an easier path to see.I chose two opportunities that I wanted to learn more about and spent my time doing something productive and meaningful.Summer is a great time to learn things outside of the classroom and give back to others.

4. Don't sweat the small stuff

I usually stress over everything, like seriously. Anything that could be a problem in any way is a cause for stress. Honestly, it's so not worth it to be worried about who might be mad or what might upset other people. If you're having fun and enjoying what you're doing, that's what truly matters. (Obviously, I'm not saying cause harm or be destructive lol) Decide what's worth a fight and what's not. Sometimes there a lot of pointless fights and drama that can be avoided if you're only worried about yourself and not what other people are doing. If you're not invited to every little thing, who cares? If your friends do something without you because you're busy or couldn't make it, don't stress!! Not every single thing needs to be analyzed or worried about. We only get to be in high school one time, so don't spend it always upset!

5. Be your own best friend

Summer is a time full of fun but there's also some moments for downtime. Not being invited to every single thing (see #4) is not always a bad thing! Having so much free time is a chance for you to discover things about yourself you normally don't get the chance to do. Spending time with yourself is good.At the end of the day you can really only rely on yourself, so why not love who you are? This summer I have had countless dance parties and movie nights in with myself, and I've had so much fun! Learning to love myself has made this summer so much easier to enjoy. I don't worry about insecurities or stress about what other people are thinking about me. I have become my own best friend and grown confident enough in myself to know that my opinion of myself is the only one that matters. Treasure the alone time you get and use it as an opportunity to grow as an individual.