Summer has always been my favorite season. I just love the warm beach weather and the carefree attitude that comes along with it. Living in Ohio we don't get a lot of nice weather, so when it's here I take full advantage. I love to go spend time out in the sun; I'll walk places instead of drive. I love the freedom of not having to wear clothes without them being covered up by heavy coats or boots.

However, the idea of summer has quickly begun to change for me. In high school summer was basically all fun and games. Sure, I've had a job for as long as I can remember, but it was always pretty part-time and didn't take up much of my summer. I'd spend it sleeping in, going to the beach with friends, and staying out way later than I should have. Basically summers were carefree and each of them were pretty different, but positive memories.

Now, in college, summer is a little different. My summer basically consists of work, thinking about work, and working around when I have to work. Did I mention work...? Kidding, but not. One part-time job turned into two, then turned into three. Not only are you usually saving up to have more money for the school year, but you sometimes can have expenses like rent, bills, and other stupid adult expenses. If you aren't working, odds are you have an internship, you're taking classes, or you're just blessed as it gets.

Not only is it just a lot of time working, it is also a lot of time away from your friends/family. This summer I may be in my college town, but the majority of my friends are at home, also working, or here busy taking classes and working. We all have our own agendas in the summer and it's hard to get people together when they all have different schedules. Your college town during the fall on the first few weeks back should be such a welcoming exciting feeling, and if you don't feel that way I think you picked the wrong school. Sorry not sorry. (OU Oh Yeah!)

I remember in high school always being so excited for summer, but always wanting to be older so I could have more freedom. To stay out, to have fun, and to not answer to anyone. Unfortunately, you realize you never really steer away from that kind of lifestyle if you have a job and you don't have freedom of time. You can't plan a vacation or weekend getaway unless you plan weeks in advance and get permission to take that time off. You can't stay out all night if you have a work meeting at 9 A.M. followed by two shifts, and you still have to fit in time to cook and clean in there somewhere.

Although I still find time to sit by the pool, vacation, sleep in, and have a little me time, summer is just different to me. It will always be my favorite season because I'm truly happier in a warmer climate, but I think there is just a part of me that misses being a care-free teenager with a part time job and not a future to worry about.