What do summers mean to me? Summer means traveling back home from school and being bored out of your mind because you no longer have classes. Summer means getting a new bathing suit each summer and wearing it by the pool as I try to get rid of the pasty color of my skin tone from the gloomy Syracuse weather. Summer means backyard barbecues with close friends and family. Most importantly, summer means a four-month long break from the real world but unfortunately, those times are coming to an end.

Although it has not even been a week, I've already had a busy summer. I finished up scheduling details on my internship, got a part-time job to help me earn some spending cash, and have been running around helping my family out with small errands since they are still either in school or working. I have not had one day of sleeping in or a full day to myself. I sat here and thought about it and it is time to face the truth: the real world is coming and there is no way that I can slow down time.

At least one thing is for sure, I am not wasting my time. Ideally I would love to lounge around all day and binge-watch "Grey's Anatomy," but that would get old pretty quick. It is nice to be able to have a set schedule and know what I am doing. Summers like this are also amazing opportunities because they provide you with valuable experience. When someone asks, "What did you do this summer?" you'll be able to fire back a response that makes you look like an awesome overachiever.

One of the best things about this being my last real summer is actually knowing that this is going to be the last one. With keeping this in mind, I can make the most of it. I still plan on doing all of my traditional summer activities and maybe even some that I have been too afraid to try. It's time to make it all count.

With that being said and no matter where you are in your college career, I urge you to make the most of your summer experiences. Whether it's a job or you spending everyday walking your dog...you will want to remember these experiences. Time stops for no one and before we know it, we could be spending our "summertime" in suits in ties and May-August will just become another normal part of the year. So live it up, my fellow college students and go make memories you will never forget!