I write this from my sophomore year dorm room. About 12 hours ago, I unloaded my tightly packed car, unpacked my clothes and made my new bed. With just some final pictures and sorority decorations left to hang up, I am essentially moved in and ready to start my sophomore year of college. How did that happen?

Never mind the fact that my freshman year flew by in the blink of an eye because the summer flew by even faster. Wasn't I just packing up my dorm and heading to Myrtle Beach? Wasn't I just walking across the stage of my high school baseball field and receiving my diploma and hugging the principle? Where has the time gone?

This summer for me was rather typical; I spent time with my friends, I spent time in Cape Cod, and most importantly, I spent time watching old episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" and catching up with the Kardashians. While so many things from year to year have stayed the same during summer, this summer was certainly different from any I had experienced before. For the first time, I cherished being in the same town as all of my friends. This thing that at one time seemed to be average was now a luxury. For the first time, I really appreciated being able to shower without shoes on and how truly tasty a home cooked meal can be. Having almost four months at home after two long semesters was an amazing gift.

While summer was not the first time I had been home from college, it was certainly the most permanent. Four months is a long time; the longer the time, the easier it is to spot the changes, and this summer sure had a lot of them. The summer before my freshman year was filled with nerves, stress and pressure. I only had about seven weeks between high school graduation and move in day to mentally and physically prepare for college. I spent my time teaching tennis and dreading the day I left the only place I had ever known as home.

This past summer I spent interning and welcomed myself to the real world. I spent a lot of time answering questions to parents and students in the community about how college is and what I'm studying (plot twist: I still have no idea!) But I also spent it taking in every single moment and being grateful I was lying on my couch or with my friends instead of in a library. Now, I can't believe it's over.

A lot can change in a year: people, relationships, perspectives (just to name a few). The one thing that I doubt will ever change is my utter love for summer. I can't wait until next May.