Summer break is one of the most anticipated times for students. It doesn't matter the age or the type of schooling, the joy of a few months without classes, papers, assignments or exams never gets old! What does get old though is the student, meaning soon there will be no such thing as a summer break (unless you're a teacher of course). As undergrad comes to an end, students like myself begin to plan, stress and worry about the future and how to exactly make it "bright." A huge part of that worrying process occurs over the summer break.

This is supposedly time for relaxation. But who can relax when you're so ambitious and eager for success. The truth is, we all need to relax. So many things can easily cause worry and stress. For example, a good majority of my peers have landed great internships, fellowships, etc for the summer. I searched and applied during the school year for the same opportunities but I wasn't as fortunate. However, I decided that, with this being my last summer in undergrad, I will not reflect on missed opportunities, instead I will create my own experiences.

I have three jobs. Yeah, that sounds hefty but I have a financial goal that I must meet! The great thing is that all of my jobs provide me with experience for my post-graduation job hunt. I volunteer for a local magazine. As a journalism student, it is crucial that I partake in some sort of professional development in the field. I go to every party, cookout or gathering that I can. I visit beach sometimes twice a week and I will be traveling to two different cities before this month is over.

My summer doesn't sound ideal. To some, it may not be appealing at all. The point is that I am doing what makes me happy while utilizing my local resources to benefit my future. We too often get discouraged because we compare our lives to the lives of others whom we think we should be on the same page with. We can only be the best versions of ourselves and we should only compare ourselves to our former selves.

My jobs pay pretty good. My supervisors are always sharing promotional opportunities with me. I am enjoying spending time with my family. I get to visit my home church. I have a lot of time to focus on myself. I refuse to complain when I have so much good that outweighs the bad.When someone asks me what I did during Summer '16, I will proudly answer, "I spent time on myself." The school year sometimes takes so much energy that we neglect ourselves, including mind, body and spirit.

I guess the saying is kind of true, "the best things in life are free." I prefer to say that the best things in life are earned. My hard work will be rewarded because it is all done for self-fulfillment. What I thought would be a boring, miserable summer back at home turned out to still be boring... and miserably hot! But I've accepted that I'm responsible for my experiences and I will only have a negative one if I encounter my circumstances with a negative mindset. I choose to be positive. I'm still looking for my revenge, the remainder of Summer '16!