Dear Summer,

Where in the world are you? I probably don't say this enough, but you are by far my absolute favorite. When you come around, it means beach days, lazy mornings, sleeping in, and so many more things. You are by far the best over winter, spring, and fall. Not only do you mean time away from school, but you also mean longer nights, concerts and of course Nike shorts weather.

Honestly, I can't think of a happier time in life than summer days as a little girl. I remember as a little girl begging my parents for 20 more minutes in the pool because it was so much fun splashing around, even if it was dinner time. I remember my mom lathering me up in what felt and looked like SPF 200+ sunscreen. For those amazing memories as a child, I want to say thank you. Thank you for always bringing me joy and endless happiness.

Not only am I thankful for the childhood memories, but I am thankful for the memories that weren't so long ago. As I got older, summer meant less time in the pool and more time spent tanning by the pool. Or it was the s'mores by the bonfire that made summer nights so enjoyable with friends. I even remember those rebellious times when I felt as if sunscreen was lame and no one needed to wear it. Although my mom insisted, I still somehow "forgot." I would always lather up the aloe that night, because it was the only way I could survive the horrible sunburn.

But there is something that I am starting to realize, summer; you are starting to change so much, and I don't appreciate it. Summer, you are starting to turn into different memories. I often wonder why you are changing so much, but then I remember it isn't you that's changing, it is me.

I am the one that is growing up and leaving childhood and entering into the real world of adulthood. My days are no longer carefree. They are stressful. My time is spent with long hours at my internship. Although I love my job and I am dedicated to my schooling, sometimes it can be so difficult to motivate myself when the nostalgia of summer hanging over my head.

Now that there are new and important things in my life, I am going to have to find ways in which I need to enjoy you. I must take time to reflect on old memories and try and create new ones. I need to reflect on everything you bring from the sunshine every day, to the late nights after work with friends and family and even those late-night cookouts that I get to enjoy.

Most of all, summer, just know I will always be reminded of great memories you brought me, and I cannot wait to make new memories this year. So hurry up and get here faster! I am ready to enjoy my last summer until the big-girl world.

Sincerely, a lover of summer,

Sara