I love being home for the summer, but sometimes I wish I was spending my break at school instead. Here are some reasons why...

1. Plans for the weekend? No problem

Being home for the summer, it’s often a struggle finding something to do every weekend. In my small town, there aren’t many options. But when you’re at college, you know there will always be something to do; especially at Endicott. Personally, when I'm at school I spend many of my weekends at sporting events cheering on my fellow Gulls. Also, our campus activities board always has something planned. Whether it be a concert, late night pancakes, or black light mini golf, there is always something to do.

2. Friends

My school friends are my best friends. Although I’ve known them for less than a year, it feels like so much longer. From September to May we lived together, ate dinner as a “family” every night, and made so many great memories. They made me laugh, listened to me cry, and everything in between. Being apart for almost four months seems impossible, which is why I hope to see all of them soon.

3. Independence

I love my parents very much, but it’s nice to feel independent. When I’m at school, my mom and dad don’t ask me where I am or when I’ll be home, and they don’t tell me when I should do my homework or go to bed. I am responsible and I get everything done on my own. Yes, I have to do my own laundry and clean up after myself, but it’s really not so bad after all.

4. The gym is free

Well technically it’s not free, but it’s included in my college tuition. Paying $35 a month for the gym at home this summer has made me very thankful for that.

5. Waking up at noon on weekends and going to brunch

Although dining hall food isn’t always the greatest, I loved weekend brunch. I miss getting up late on Saturday and Sunday mornings and going to get a waffle, omelet, or pancakes at Cally (short for the Callahan, our dining hall). The bacon, sausage and eggs were pretty good too.

6. Driving 15 minutes for good shopping/dining

Being in Beverly, Massachusetts means that there are malls, an AMC movie theater, and an unbelievable number of restaurant options in the surrounding towns. Salem, Danvers, and Peabody are where I do most of my shopping and dining. When I’m at home, I travel 30 to 45 minutes to go out for a good meal or to simply shop at Target, and it takes almost two hours to get to a real mall.

7. Boston is a 35-minute train ride away

I love Boston. Whether I’m going into the city for a Red Sox or Celtics game, shopping at Faneuil Hall, or visiting the aquarium, it’s fun to go to and easy to get there. Just hop on the commuter rail at Beverly Depot and we’re there in no time. This was one of the many reasons why I decided to go to Endicott – easy access to my favorite city. From Vermont, it takes four times as long to get there.

8. There are three beaches on campus

Being at school, I’d step out of my residence hall and see the ocean. It was a nice two-minute walk to get from my room to one of Endicott’s three beaches. Now that I’m home for the summer, I don’t have that luxury. Being from Vermont, I have to travel out-of-state to get to a good beach. On days when it’s 90 degrees and sunny out, I wish I was at school soaking up the sun, not at home.

I can't wait to go back to Endicott in September. I miss my friends and the ocean. But for now I'm going to enjoy being home, spending time with my family, and soaking up the sun in my backyard.