Spring break is upon us. For some schools, it’s at the end of March; for others, it begins on Thursday or if you’re lucky, it begins this Friday. Like many, this is my first spring break as an adult in college and I have no idea what to expect, but I’m excited. Leading up to this point, I’ve done much micro-managing in shopping, working out extra hard, paying money, avoiding food and building my energy up.

I’m just 19, so making the decision to go on spring break my first year away from home took much thought. I decided that going to the beach for a week with people my age would be much better than going home to boring southern Arkansas. I found an opening in a group and paid my money. That was seriously when the excitement kicked in. The only thing I could think of after that was why I was enjoying a nice fattening piece of candy.

I took a day to try on all the shorts I brought to college, but with just my luck, I couldn’t fit in any, so I was forced to go shopping for some new ones. I knew I would need bathing suits, but I decided to put that on hold until the week before just in case I had any chance of losing weight, which I didn’t because cheese sticks and McDonald’s are two of my best friends.

I took almost a whole month of going out off just to build up the energy that my body will need on spring break. I’ve gone harder in the gym by adding an extra mile to my cardio, I started on abs and did extra arm exercises. I’ve gone to the gym instead of eating and while a tsunami was outside. If that is not dedication to a remotely OK beach bod, I don’t know what is.

Spring break in college feels like a legitimate holiday. I’m looking forward to spring break more than summer break or my birthday. This break is much needed, so I wish everyone the best of luck on their adventures. If you see me on the beach, don’t hesitate to say hey. Stay safe, all you wild party animals!