My first summer as a college student had me working retail and taking 12 credits worth of classes (way too many if you ask me). I like to think that I pretty much embodied the definition of #adulting.
But in reality, I only made it over the first hurdle on the way to adulthood.
As the summer went on, I found myself stretched in more ways than one.
Learning everything from how to re-shelve ladies’ shoes to how to file my own taxes to how to call a free bus, I grew a lot. Of all the knowledge I have taken in and will use in the future, I left this summer with a newfound appreciation — appreciation for life, friends and family.
Though not what most people find fun, a lot of my time this summer went towards working and doing homework. Yet, it helped me appreciate what little time I have left to make mistakes. College years stand as your last chance to make silly mistakes without them causing detrimental harm to your future. My life as a young adult comes to an end once I earn my degrees.
From endless hours checking out customers at a part-time job to procrastinating all four of my personal finance projects, this summer not only prepared me for a busy life but also a happy one. “I’m busy” ranks as the easiest excuse to give someone.
When it comes to college, no matter how many jobs or classes you take, you can make an hour for the people in your life that matter.
In between working and studying, I made time to see my friends as often as I could, even if I ended up spending only 20 minutes on a coffee date. Although I made this a priority so that I could see most of my hometown friends, I want to make this a lifelong goal.
Classes, a part-time job and extracurriculars take up my time now. In a few years, it will consist of a full-time job and a family. Though talking to my friends every day may appear easy now, when life becomes more complicated, meaningful communication between friends gets tougher. Even so, that will not stop me from making time.
Making time also meant making sacrifices this summer, and it will stay that way in the future. Even though I wanted to, I made sure not to pick up every single extra shift so that I had time for the people in my life. Making another $11 by staying an extra hour does not make up for having to miss plans with an old friend.
Time really does equal money. I’ll ensure that I spend my money on meaningful moments.
After ignoring a few phone calls from work on my days off, I found time for watching Spiderman: Far From Home and eating at Buffalo Wild Wings with my best friend. In a few years, I know it gets harder to go out after work because more responsibilities come with adulthood. Try gossiping with your girlfriends around your husband and kids. I wouldn’t either. Neither can keep a secret!
Aside from that, my family became the main priority when scheduling things. In the moments when I found myself at home, I worked on homework in the living room or the kitchen so that I found the chance to spend time with my parents. I tried to make plans with friends at times when my parents worked so that I wouldn’t miss precious time with them.
Sadly, parents don’t last forever and we all have to go at some point.
In my head, everyone planned a specific life for themselves. I imagine myself getting two degrees and then starting a career and a family — in that order. Life can easily get derailed, and “I’m busy” only works so many times. Don’t get too caught up in the obstacles, but how you can bounce back.
Overall, my memories from summer 2019 will stay with me forever. Not because I went on a crazy adventure or did something new, but rather because this summer enlightened me. I grew as a friend, daughter and person.
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