The 2005-2006 academic school year is finally coming to an end. May 18 – a date which once seemed like a mere mark on the calendar, too far away even to fathom its meaning – is now conceivably close. Summer plans are being finalized, or at least need to be finalized.?
Some will take tropical vacations, which they probably won’t remember (but great pictures, right?). Some will be productive, working 40-hour weeks, taking summer courses, and maybe finally getting started on shedding some of that freshmen 15.? Many will take a luxurious vacation to that one place near and dear to their hearts, that glorious yet dreadful four letter word: home.?There’s nothing wrong with lounging around the house, catching some “Saved by the Bell” reruns and eating mom’s gourmet cooking.? Everybody needs to take time every once in a while to just do absolutely nothing, basking in unproductiveness. After all, we only have four years (or five or six) before we have to pretend to be “responsible” adults.
In many ways I regret my decision to work and take summer school. Although I’ll be glad to get some of those gen eds out of the way, I can’t remember the last time I was bored.?Thinking back to those childhood summers, spending all day at the lake, then playing hide and seek in the dark (we were so cool then), I remember how wonderful it was to have no responsibilities. The biggest stress in my life was whether or not my crush of the week gave me a “look” at the lake.
Reality is, there’s more to life than grade school crushes and melted popsicles on the beach.?While some will always fight for their right to party, even after graduation, most will be forced to slow down from their fast-paced college years. Some will get married, perhaps start a family, and most will get full-time jobs somewhere other than McDonald’s.?Yes, this may be a shocker to some, but there is a reason for college beyond partying.?
Just think, how many summers do you have left??Unless you’re going to be a teacher, most jobs don’t exactly get two months vacation simply because it’s nice outside.? Sure, there’s that two-week vacation, but eventually you’ll be spending those chasing screaming toddlers around Disneyland, trying to find a bathroom because little Suzie wet herself in the Haunted Mansion (again).
Maybe I’m a little hypocritical because I’m preaching about taking time to relax, realizing that I need to listen to my own advice.?I am a strong advocate of making productive use of your time, but sometimes you just need to forget about everything and relax.?This summer I’m staying pretty busy, but maybe next summer I’ll lighten the load a little. It’s all about reaching that perfect balance that everyone on television and in the magazines always talk about.
Happy summer everyone.?To those of you taking crazy vacations: try to remember some of it, and take your camera.?To those of you workaholics or those stuck in summer courses: kudos to you, but try to have some time to yourself.?And to those of you who have no plans:?I envy you.
Enjoy your summers while they still exist.?As sad as it seems, after our college careers are ended, summer is just another season.?
The sun may be shining bright outside, but most of us will be in that same cubical space we were in during the fall, and winter and spring.