Summer — the best time of the year. The only three months where your teachers can’t assign you homework, and you don’t have to get up early in the morning. It’s sensational. I have three whole months to do whatever I want. I could visit the lake, and swim with friends. I could visit the beach, and work on my tan. I could visit a restaurant, and stay as long as I’d like. The possibilities are endless. Summer is like a key, unlocking the shackles of responsibility. I can already picture myself walking out of Arrowhead on the last day of school, the warm beams of sunlight placating my skin. I can visualize myself relaxing on the crystal blue ocean, as the lukewarm waves crash against the sturdy sides of the boat; but when the scent of the salty blue sea fades from my conscious, I’m left with a sad thought.

Although summer-time is filled with joy and freedom, there are certain things that I’m going to miss from time to time. Being able to see my friends every day is something I won’t be able to do once summer starts. Sometimes I find myself sitting in my backyard, the blades of grass dancing in the wind, trying to figure out how to combat the infamous poison of the summer season… bordeom. With so much time on my hands, it can be challenging to find something to do. The initial thought of summer fills you with anticipation — as there’s so much to do and so much to see — but after you’ve exhausted all your ideas, there’s not much else left to do. Summer is a bottle of water after an intense workout; you’re eager to drink it all up, but long for it even more after you’ve done so.

Summer comes with pros and cons, but I think every student can agree that the pros far outweigh the cons. Every year, the impetus to leave school behind has kids dragging their feet through the last few weeks of school. I know that the summer time won’t be perfect, but I’m determined to have fun. This summer, I’m going to leave my discretion at home and make the most of my junior year. I’m only this age once for the rest of my life, it’s about time I start making the most of it. Summer is the season of partying and freedom, and that’s just what I need after a long school year.