Summer is in my opinion, the BEST time of year. Even when it's raining, it’s warm out and you can still go about your day. Quite frankly, I live for the heat. Give me the Arizona desert over a negative degree, five-foot snowstorm every time. When October hits, I start shivering.

During adolescence, we love the Summer, as it is a time to relax from the pressures of school. This is true until we graduate college. In college, Summer is even better. Four months of time that is generally carefree, except for maybe work and online classes. When I was in high school I allowed myself time to enjoy that freedom. Working four or five days a week max, at a job where free time was plentiful.

But post-graduation I got a “real” job, where I worked 40+ hours a week, with little free time. But it was one of those deals where “if you love what you’re doing it isn’t work." I was spoiled in a sense because I had real adult responsibilities and I loved every aspect of my job. It gave me so much motivation to find a similar job in the real world later on.

Flash to last Summer, the position was unavailable and the job hunt pursued. However, I was only able to find a job in food service and I was totally taken advantage of. I worked 8-hour shifts six days a week. The situation was absolutely miserable, and no amount of money was worth the way I felt.

I was constantly tired, dreaded work, and I was not taking care of my mental or physical health. It was survival mode, but the type of person I am could not give up the job. I worked hard and finished up the Summer strong. School was the beacon that gave me hope for happiness.

Since this experience, I have learned so much about how I want to spend my time to stay healthy and happy. Already this Summer has been incredible, and this experience was a HUGE learning curve. I have a brand-new job, where I have freedom and time to care for myself. Which is wonderful!

I have been to the beach as often as I can get away for a few hours, it is definitely the reprieve I need in my life. I have been getting into a gym routine that I haven’t followed since high school stopped, and I honestly haven’t felt this amazing in a while being home, I can cook for myself. Plus I have an amazing selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, thank God I couldn’t take the dining hall cantaloupe for another minute!

But most importantly I am using this time to also improve my education, and my diversity as a student. While I have time to relax I am setting goals that I want to accomplish in the future. To find success, I need a general path to follow. This is challenging me to be my best self, all while working and taking time to relax and self-care.

I am so grateful for the path that I have followed in the past year. I challenge you to think about your path! What steps can you take in self-care? What are some things you can do to prepare for the coming year? Are you surviving or are you thriving? If you answer these questions honestly you too will find a path that leads to your best life.

Remember, just surviving in life can cause unnecessary stress and emotional instability. Work towards thriving for a successful and prosperous journey!