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This Summer, I’ll Be Choosing Myself And Embracing The ‘Summer Of Me’

This summer, I'm done waiting.

Maddie Miller

Jun 18, 2021

The Narrative

This Summer, I’ll Be Choosing Myself And Embracing The ‘Summer Of Me’

Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

I have changed a lot in college, almost completely for the better.

I have changed the most in the last year or so, most definitely for the better. This last year has not been without its challenges, and that's true for everyone. I have persevered and kind of gotten it together, to an extent. I am doing well in school. I've made friends and been involved. I am dependable and a hard worker, and that is something I always want people to think of me. I'm someone who will always say yes to whatever they need and get it done 1000%. However, when I was thinking about this summer, it got me to thinking about my life and how I wanted it to go. I always find myself thinking "I can't wait till I can…"

This summer, I am done waiting.

I am choosing me and what I want. I'm going to say yes to others just a little less and start saying yes to me a whole lot more. Not just the "crazy" stuff, but for the little things, too. I am working to find a better balance of who people want me to be and who I want to be. Whether it's something small or monumental, I'm not waiting to start doing the things I dream about. Whether it's for more time, a better time, a bigger savings account, or for people who match my energy and what I want, I'm done waiting. I don't want to blink and have spent my whole life waiting to do the things that excite me.

I want to say yes and do things that scare me, even if I'm doing them alone.

I want to travel and dance until 3 AM and take that spontaneous road trip that doesn't make sense. This summer I'm going to Vegas and The Grand Canyon with one of my best friends, because I've always wanted to go. I'm moving to Montana by myself for two months to work as a waitress, because why not? I've booked a solo trip for next summer to Italy and The Greek Islands, because I want to see the world before I'm too old to enjoy it. I know that the pandemic has changed a lot of things for everyone, I've been unemployed from the same restaurant three times in the last twelve months, and I plan to do things as safely as possible and I am excited to see the country and the world come back to life as more and more people are vaccinated. This summer will be full of life and new experiences and this is just the beginning for me. I want to make choices like this and live like this for the rest of my life. I will continue to work hard to make these things happen for myself, because I can't for someone to hand it to me. I want to choose to do the things that make me happy, and make me a little afraid (in a good way). I am choosing me this summer because, in the wise words of Donna Sheridan (Mamma Mia! fans please stand up),

"Life is short, the world is wide, and I want to make some memories."

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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This Summer, I’ll Be Choosing Myself And Embracing The ‘Summer Of Me’

This summer, I'm done waiting.

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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