I remember back in high school (which wasn't too long ago, now that I think about it) and I recall that my summer vacation was filled with going to National Parks, visiting beaches, and hanging out with family. I didn't really have any responsibilities except making sure the trash was thrown and cleaning the bathroom every couple days.

But all that has changed. I'm an adult and a college student who is entering my last year of college. I have to pay for a rising tuition and prepare for the reality that I'm going to have to figure out how to support myself. That's why I'm working a part-time job and thinking more and more about my future. However, all this working and thinking has required a sacrifice. What is it I've sacrificed? My summer vacation.

Yes, the time of the year that I used to long for and spend enjoying life and making memories has become a time when I work and save money for books and classes. I now spend my days working in an office building, sitting in front of a computer screen, and taking naps as soon as I get home. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I consider myself lucky that I no longer have to physically exert myself under the hot summer sun in order to make $10 or $20.

Rather, my purpose of writing this is to reminisce on how simple life used to be back in high school. Aw, those good ol' high school days as a naive teenager who thought that I was living out my best moments. As much as I loved school and expanding my mind, I yearned for summer (even though the majority of my summers were spent lounging around at home, writing and surfing the web). Only a couple days out of my summers were spent adventuring and reveling in new experiences.

Looking back on those days, I'm kind of disappointed in myself. I should have done more with my time and should have taken advantage of all the opportunities around me. How? I'm not really sure. Maybe I should have gone skydiving or created a race of genetically modified dinosaurs. Or, I don't know, learned an instrument.

Working has also made me very grateful for weekends. Whenever I have days off, I feel an urge to go out and do something awesome! Whether that be going on a random trip to the mall or collaborating with friends on a novel, I make sure that I am enjoying every minute of my free time.

I doubt that I'm the only college student (or young adult) who has had this realization or is missing those innocent summer days. Hopefully they have realized, like me, that their free time is precious and that they should spend that time with friends and family. If they haven't realized that, hopefully this article will give them the push they need.