By Taylor Squires

Have you ever noticed how the word ‘summer’ instantly brightens up a conversation?

Regardless of what you’re talking about, adding the fact that summer is around the corner seems to remind us all that school is worth the struggle.

The weather starts getting warmer, days start becoming longer and everyone begins to embody a sense of carefreeness.
However, what some people do not realize is that the concept of summer holds an entirely different meaning for university students.

For the majority of us, summertime means working as much as you possibly can while attempting to complete a few extra courses so that you’re not swamped when you return to school in the fall.

Personally, I think that we should all give ourselves a serious pat on the back.

We work extremely hard throughout the year and then work even harder while the rest of the world is sipping on cold drinks and comparing barbecue prices.

Now although it may seem like this year is going to be no different from the last, I have come up with a few ways that you can get the most out of your summer – even if you’re interning by day and completing assignments by night.

Of course, it should come as no surprise that my first solution is to try and spend as much time as you can outside.

Throughout the year, we are always stuck in our home office, the library or local coffee shops.

With that being said, if you have to complete an assignment, set yourself up at a park or even at the beach (just try not to get any sand in your laptop).

If you’re stuck working all day, take your breaks outside. Go for a walk or eat your lunch in the sun. This is the kind of stuff we can’t do during the year so take serious advantage of it.

My next solution is to take a trip.

It doesn’t have to be far, but it has to be far enough to be considered a trip. I know you’re probably thinking that there is no way you can make the time for it, but it’s important to take at least two or three days to get away. After all, you deserve it.

Also, make sure to bring people who are going to make it the best trip ever. If that means just you and your dog, so be it.

Finally, acknowledge the fact that the sacrifices you are making now are going to pay off, in the long run.

This is something that I often struggle with because sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I can promise you that it’s there.

So, work hard this summer but don’t forget to take the time to bask in the magic of the season.