Most of my summers in the past have been filled with boredom, no money, and Starbucks coffee. Well, this summer I changed things up a bit with a trip to Europe, a job, and new responsibilities.
1. Falling in love young is a blessing.
I started dating the love of my life this summer, and he makes me the happiest I have ever been in my entire life. Most people doubt young love and it's longevity, but there is not a single doubt in my mind that I will spend the rest of my life with Jake. With his influence and his love this past summer, I have become healthier and realized that it's ok to be vulnerable and open up. It may just lead you to find your person.
2. Getting a boring summer job makes you really value your money.
We all know it is a whole lot easier to spend other people's money. $200 shirt on sale for $175? Heck yes, what a deal! But when you work, and you begin to really think about how many hours of work $175 dollars is...that deal becomes...em not so great. Working this past summer at a boring retail job really made me realize that money, in fact, does not grow on trees.
3. While Starbucks is good, you can't buy it every day. Sadly.
Ok so my favorite coffee shop is a little place called Serda's, but their prices go hand-in-hand with Starbucks, so the same principle still applies. I would go every single day, without fail, to Serda's and get myself my medium soy latte. $4.44 doesn't sound obscene until you start adding up all those $4.44 for a month. Luckily, my parents bought me a Nespresso machine and I began making my own lattes and saving some major money.
4. Traveling around Europe with your best friend is a life-changing experience.
I had the opportunity to spend the month of May in Germany, Amsterdam, Paris, and Italy with one of my dearest friends and her family. They were kind enough to show me so many amazing places, and together we created so many amazing memories that I will never forget. So while I learned the value of money, I also learned it's okay to spend a little and have some fun sometimes too.
5. Spending quality time with your parents is important.
After being away at college and away from my parents for the first time ever, it was nice to be able to spend the summer at home with them. We got to spend countless nights bonding and cooking together, and I wouldn't change it for the world. I had an amazing last summer at home, and I will always cherish the memories I made.
