It’s finally the end of the semester and I am SO excited. Honestly, this one flew by for me, which isn’t a bad thing. I was deciding what to write about and, instead of reflecting on the past, I figured why not look to the future. So, I compiled a list of summer plans, goals and moments that I am looking forward to. Keep on reading to find out what I’m looking forward to because it just might inspire you to think about what’s ahead for you…and hey, you can even make a summer bucket list if you’d prefer!
TEACHING INTERNSHIP
I applied and was accepted for a position as a teaching intern this summer. I am studying to be an educator and so when I heard the news I was thrilled. I am grateful I did sign for an apartment lease over the summer…otherwise, that would have been chaotic searching for somewhere to live. I know it will be a great opportunity to learn more, work on building teacher and student relationships, and have practical experience in the classroom. While I’ve had a few teaching opportunities throughout my undergrad, I know that I won’t be fully ready until I’m in the midst of student teaching…and even then, I still might not be ready. Yet, I’m eager to jump into this new classroom and be part of the day-to-day, what I hope will be a meaningful learning experience.
COUNTRY CONCERTS
Y’all…I love country music. If you don’t like it that’s okay…just don’t be hating on the people who do! I am super excited though because I just bought concert tickets for Tailgate & Tallboys, an outdoor country music festival that’ll be in Illinois and Michigan this summer! I haven’t been to a concert in a long time, and it’s always so much fun seeing multiple musicians and bands in the same day. And it’ll be three days of it… I can’t wait! I’ve seen quite a few of these artists before, including my favorite Luke Combs (you can read about my experience here), but I’m most looking forward to seeing Riley Green, Chase Rice, Morgan Wallen, Brantley Gilbert and HARDY, who are all in the lineup.
TRYING NEW FOODS + DRINKS
While I don’t know where or how I’ll do this, I’m hoping to branch out with my food and drink choices this summer. I want to try sushi because I may have years ago, but I don’t remember if I did. All my friends are always raving about it, so I figured why not give that a try this summer. Another food I haven’t explored is Thai. We do have a restaurant on campus but once again, I’ve never ventured to try it out. So, that’ll be on my list too.
Another thing I’m looking into planning is to go on a day trip and head to a wine tasting! Now that I’m of age, I can try new drinks, including margaritas (can’t wait!) and wine varieties. I would love to go to a winery and try out all the different types of wine.
DATE NIGHTS
Now that I’m going to be home for part of the summer at least that means there won’t be any distance between my boyfriend and me. This is great because now we can plan fun outdoor date nights, such as having a picnic in the park, having a beach day, going golfing, or trying out a new restaurant together. It’s hard during the school year because I’m often busy on campus, so I don’t come home much. And he’s working full time and then there’s the space between us but now…that space is gone! While we won’t have free time every day, it’ll be way more than we had these past few months which is an improvement if you ask me. It’ll be much easier to make plans and make time for each other during the week too, not just the weekends… so I am excited!
SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS
It’s also hitting me that this is the last “college” summer I’ll have since my friends and I will be graduating next year. That means that things will probably be much different a year from now when we are applying for career jobs and moving to new places to start the next chapter in our lives. That is why I’m going to make the most of this summer with my friends. Whether it’s having late-night bonfires, going on fast food runs, or morning coffee dates, I want to enjoy every moment that I have. It’s hard when you’re always focused on what’s coming next, but try to live in the moment like I plan to do this summer. Say yes to plans. Say yes to new hobbies. Say yes to whatever makes you happiest.
I hope you enjoyed reading about what I’m looking forward to this summer and felt inspired to write your list. Always remember life is a gift and it’s important to cherish every moment you have, especially the summer ones! (And hey, let me know if you create your list of plans, goals, and moments you are excited about, I’d love to read it!)