It’s midterms week, and like most college students, I am swamped with papers and exams to study for. I look outside at this frozen tundra that we call Fort Wayne, Indiana, and all I can think of is how ready I am for it to be summer vacation. Here are the top reasons why summer is the best time of the year and why it needs to be here right now!

1. Summer is a break from classes

This one should be self-explanatory, but summer is the much needed break from all of the crazy college classes.

2. Sleeping In

I am so excited to stay up all night, sleep in until noon, and not have to worry about a schedule. Even though there will still be busy days with work and training, there are a lot more chances to sleep in and relax in the summer.

3. Summer Clothing

I am getting tired of putting on layers and layers of clothing just to hike across campus in a blizzard. I am ready for flip flops, shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, and sunglasses!

4. Spontaneous Road Trips

One of the best parts of summer is the road trips with your best friends. It’s even better when it’s spontaneous and unplanned. Whether it’s a road trip to Florida for a week, or just a spontaneous visit to the lake, summer is the best time to hang out with friends and road trip!

5. Beach Volleyball

As a volleyball player, I can definitely say one of the best parts of summer is getting a group together and playing beach volleyball by the lake. Even though I’m naturally competitive, beach volleyball is my time to better enjoy the game I love without the pressure of competitive volleyball.

6. The Beach

One of the best parts about summer is just lying on a beach with your friends and getting tan (or at least attempting to get tan). It’s the warm sand between your toes, the smell of sunscreen, and the miles and miles of open ocean in front of you that make the beach one of the best parts of summer.

7. Outdoor Activities

One of the worst parts about winter is that it’s too cold to spend a significant amount of time outside. I miss the fresh air and being able to spend all day outside. Plus, there are a million more things that you can do outside in the summer! Camping, swimming, hiking, and kayaking are just a few of the amazing summer activities that I am so excited for!

8. Bonfires

Every summer, my friends and I have bonfires late at night and make delicious s’mores and just talk until the early morning. Bonfires are just one of the classic summer activities.

9. Summer Food

Watermelon, ice cream, lemonade, and barbecue anything, all taste so much better in the summer. I don’t know what it is, but the food in the summer is always so much better than any other time of the year.

10. The Sunshine

Part of the reason I’m getting so sick of winter is that the sun never shines. It is always so cloudy and snowy. I am so ready to break out the sunglasses and soak up the sun!

So start the countdown, push through the school work, and summer will be here before you know it! Here’s to the summer of 2016!