Since I bought my Chacos last summer, I have had the goal of getting a Chaco tan. Not just a slight "oh hey look you can tell I own Chacos" tan, but an intense "CHACOS ARE LIFE" tan. This summer I vowed to achieve this goal. I wore my Chacos almost everyday to camp, the mall, church-- basically anywhere I went. I look down at my feet now, and I am glad to say that I am a proud owner of a pretty stinking good Chaco tan. Now, it could be better, and that's a goal for another summer. However, I'm just happy to say that I reached my goal, and my Chaco tan is more than just a tan to me.

My Chaco tan signifies more than just the fact that I got a lot of use out of a pair of shoes or I spent a lot of time outside (honestly, the latter isn't really true). It represents goals, commitment, and success. It's an illustration of adventure and freedom. It's a constant reminder of the many memories I've made in my Chacos. Yeah, I got a cool tan out of it, but that's not why I love my Chaco tan.

My Chaco tan is a testament to the fact that I can do anything if I set my mind to it. It may seem silly, because how much work does getting a tan take? But I had limitations. I'm white, very white. I can tan, but it's not like the moment I step outside, I'm three shades darker-- it takes a little while to get color. Also, I worked in a kitchen all summer. The only times I was really outside was when I had to walk from the staff house to the kitchen and back. I didn't let that stop me, though. I'd stand with my feet pointed toward the sun in hope that those five minutes would count for something. I wore those shoes every chance I got; in fact, I don't even know what shoes to wear if I can't wear Chacos. I set a goal, I worked with determination, and I achieved it.

Chacos are kind of an adventurous type of shoe. Of course, you can wear them for your everyday life (I definitely do), but they're also sturdy enough to wear on tough terrain. I've had many adventures in my Chacos. Tubing, hiking, etc. Chacos are made for exhilarating moments. That's what my tan reminds me of. I look down, and I feel inspired and invigorated. It's a promise to myself that I will keep living life as the ultimate adventure.

Honestly, though, the best part about my Chaco tan is remembering all of the great times I had while wearing my shoes. They saw me slip and fall flat on my butt at staff training (and proceed to laugh about it, so it's okay). They were with me when I sang Hamilton a little too loudly while washing dishes. They grew dirtier as my friendships grew stronger. They waited for me patiently in a bush (because someone hid one there) while I stripped wax off cabin floors. They walked across King's Island as I saw my school friends for the first time all summer long. My Chaco tan is a memento of the things I've done, the people I've met, and the fun I've had.

So you can see why I'm so proud of my Chaco tan. It's because it's more than just a tan to me. It's an accomplishment, it's a promise, it's a memory.