I constantly tell my parents and friends how I can’t wait to travel when I’m older -- I mean isn't that every young millennial’s goal now? I have never been out of the country (technically to Canada, but that was before you needed a passport to get there and I was about 6 years old and vaguely remember anything about Niagra Falls) and the farthest I have ever been in the U.S. is Michigan. Seeing everyone around me, from college and from high school going on all these outrageous trips, safaris, and adventures, both in and out of the country, makes me insanely jealous.

Here I am, taking summer classes, working two jobs at 20 hours a week, and the coolest adventure I get to go on is to one of the empty local coffee shops to study, or Avila Beach when I have a little free time to lay out. Sure, I have been told so many times by various people that summer school will pay off in the long run and what’s wrong with making a little extra spending money? Well, yeah, I guess they are right, but to be stuck in your college town with very little college students is not the least bit fun.

However, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and tried to make the best of what’s left of my summer by trying to adventure and do touristy activities in my own town. I realized that spending the whole summer working and studying has definitely made me prioritize my time and get my act together. It has completely motivated me and made me extremely determined to work harder than ever before to achieve my goals.

Maybe it’s the inner event planner in me, but I’ve matured more than I thought I would have this summer -- despite what my parents may say sometimes -- and I can honestly say I have been better at saving money (which is a big thing for myself to admit considering I would always choose buying new clothes over buying food or living necessities for myself) for those extra weekend trips that I have been planning, but have never actually followed through with. Now, I’ll be able to eventually take those trips, and what’s more rewarding than going on a trip that you completely paid for by yourself? Personally, I would have a much better experience and enjoy my time more than I would have if my parents just bought it for me.

My sister is just one example of someone that I am completely jealous of. She has recently been going on so many trips outside of the country with her group of friends and attending, what seems to me, basically every single music festival possible. Seeing all the Snapchats and Instagrams makes me want to work even harder than before so I too can live the life she’s living. Someday my dream of going to New Zealand or Fiji will happen, but until then, if you need me, just know you’ll probably find me taking finals and/or rushing to work.