Julia is back for a stellar second year, blogging about sophomore shenanigans. Read on below for her pre-back-to-school thoughts!
Hey Her Campus readers! I’m back for round two of my blog, this time chronicling my adventures as a sophomore. I’m writing this in August, looking ahead with eagerness to move-in day. With just a few remaining days of summer left, it’s hard to believe that school is rapidly approaching. Where did summer go?
My last blog post as a freshman had a somber tone that dealt with my mixed emotions about entering into summer. I loved my life at school and didn’t want to come home. However, I must admit, my summer was not nearly as boring as I anticipated. In fact, this was probably one of the best summers I’ve ever had. For those who are curious, I will recap my whereabouts for the past few months.
While some people took summer classes, had internships, and went on vacation, I, like the majority of my fellow collegiettes™, spent my days at my summer job. I worked at American Eagle Outfitters. Hands down, working at American Eagle was the best decision of my summer.
American Eagle provided ample stories for my friends about my interesting co-workers and experiences with customers. I made some good friends and I can only hope that I will maintain these friendships. Though I obviously learned about the retail world (I will never ignore a greeter again), I also learned a lot about myself. I discovered the important of tenacity and discipline. For example, in the beginning of the summer, the thought of working the cash register just about terrified me, but now I embrace getting on the register. I actually like it. For a while, I was absolutely horrible at it, but suddenly, one day, I knew what I was doing and I never looked back. I was even named Employee of the Month for July.
On my off time, I tried to accomplish a series of goals I set forth for myself.. I wanted to regroup, recharge, and return bigger (not physically) and better for school. However, as the old saying goes, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
I found myself with little free time and whenever I got a day off, all I wanted to do was lounge around and go on Facebook. All I wanted was to have a real summer. By the way, one of the worst habits I acquired over the summer was constantly going on Facebook. Hopefully this will stop when school begins.
Despite this annoying tendency, I accomplished a good amount of goals for myself, like getting fit. My summer also consisted of several unanticipated highs. I went to the Pride Parade in New York, went to a Bethenny Frankel book signing, saw the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met, went to a Bastille Day festival, conquered my fear of highway driving, and reconnected with several high school friends.
I am extraordinarily grateful for every occurrence that this summer has provided. I will be sad to leave my family and certain friends in North Jersey. I will probably even miss my job every now and then. I grew a tremendous amount over the summer, learned a lot more about myself than I ever thought possible, and had some truly wonderful experiences. But of course, once I finally become accustomed to my life at home, I must relocate yet again.
Even though I loved my summer, as August progresses, I grow more and more excited for school. I anxiously await the next chapter in my college career.
College is a giant cycle of leaving and coming back. It’s a perpetual sequence of readjustment that, at times, only adds to the confusion of young adulthood. Regardless, it is a great ride. I can’t wait to be back on campus and I’m especially thrilled to be back blogging and reporting for Her Campus!
Cheers to a great year!