August. When you were 16, August was a month that meant nervously trying to finish your summer reading, trying to squeeze in as many beach trips as possible, and getting heart palpitations whenever you pass a Staples. Summer was the breath of fresh air we were waiting for, what happened? Going into my junior year of college, I'm come to realize that August is a month that has a totally different meaning. As any college student can agree, there are key differences between a summer in high school vs. a summer in college.
1. Party time!
High School: Yes. High School Musical 2 was right at the time when they spoke the lyrics "What time is it? Party Time! That's right, say it loud!" Because in high school, the weekends were mostly used for homework, running errands and being under supervision of strict parents! It makes sense, summer is the one time where you can stay out late and not worry about getting behind!
2. Where the parties at?
College: Not so much. During the year, that's the time you really are cutting loose every weekend, the difference is there's no parents to give you a curfew. It's entirely your own choice whether or not you stay up til 3 am on a Thursday night when you have a 9 am on Friday! THAT'S the true freedom! During the summer things become a lot less flexible...Staying up too late on a Thursday when you have a 9-5 job the next day doesn't really cut it.
3. All my friends!
High School: Yeah! Summer is the best because it's the chance to hang out with all your friends! You can drive around and visit people all over your state, you can hang out late at night with your best friends every night of the week! Sleepovers galore! You're all in one place with all this free time, it's the best arrangement. Even going to a Dairy Queen by yourself has a 99.99% guarantee you'll run into a bunch of your classmates! Sure you're working here and there, but it's all part time, it's flexible, and summer fun is really the focus!
4. Wait...Where are my friends?
College: "Where did all my people go?" Seriously, college is just the opposite of high school. It's actually during the school year when all your people are readily available! Even when you're up late working and stressed out of your mind, when you come back to your room on a Wednesday night, a group of your 5 best lady friends may come over and you'll be laughing your ass off in no time. Living and working with the same people means there aren't really chances to get lonely or bored. Then when the summer rolls around, everyone's got a job! Friends are only accessible by phone now! Everyone is all over the country working away, making summer work friends, being busy all hours of the day, and you're too busy to go and visit anyone yourself. Soon enough you've got your countdown to when everyone's back in town again.
5. Days of adventure!!
High School: Yes! Every day can be a chance for spontaneous adventuring. Sure you work during the days but you have the weekends off and Friday you take a half day! You're working to make extra money on the side for spending, you might as well spend it! Gather your friends and go for a hike today, no need to plan, someone is bound to be available!
6. Days of adventurous...routine?
College: "uh...adventure anyone? No?...ok." Seriously, it's not that you lose the spirit of adventure in your college summer, but it's hard to make things spontaneous when all your friends are working different miscellaneous jobs and no one's schedules are synchronized. And these jobs can't just be part time while you're getting spending money. These jobs are now making the money you actually need, for groceries! And rent! And Comcast! Important adult stuff! Maybe your weekly adventure is picking up an extra shift at the restaurant on a Saturday. That sounds realistic, right?
7. Dreading going back
High School: August really is that month where you're squeezing things in, those last summer flings and experiences, because soon you'll be getting up at 6:30 every day and having to stay in one building for a 6 hour period. When the fall comes around it's less fun altogether, the summer felt like a fleeting moment.
8. Counting. Down.
College: August rolls around and you finally start feeling hype again. You're so ready to reunite with these amazing friends you've made during the year, and all the unexpected stories you know you'll be telling this time next year. If you're majoring in something you're passionate about you actually look forward to classes that ignite you and make you feel like you have purpose! Only 3 weeks until you can get back to that productive, busy, and worthwhile college experience you've been missing. Summer, it's been real. But let's get back to the real fun, shall we?
