Vacation, work, internships, camps, sleeping, recreation, projects, new experiences…
What does a college student stuck somewhere between preserving the final years of their youth and joining the Real World do during the summer?
Work work work… oh, and class.
Anyone who knows me, will tell you that I’m unbelievably busy. Between my paid jobs, volunteer positions, sports, and school work, I have little time to pursue much else. While some students’ schedules relax during the glorious months of June, July, and August, mine certainly does not.
This summer, I’m taking an accelerated four-week statistics course, working two communications internships (Poudre River Public Library District and the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU), continuing my retail job at GameStop, assisting my Mom with the promotion of her watercolor business, and freelancing for an online news-blast among various other small jobs and activities.
But why?
Honestly, it all boils down to two reasons:
- The need to pay for ever-increasing tuition and the cost of living in Fort Collins.
- Gain as much experience as possible so that I have a hefty resume and ample portfolio when I graduate and enter the workforce.
Did you know that 20 years ago the state of Colorado paid for 2/3 of a student’s college education? Today the student is responsible for 2/3 and the state pays for 1/3.
Food for thought, but that’s a blog post for a different day…
I don’t just work, I promise
In addition to the ridiculous amount of tasks I’ve taken on, I do have fun. I’m the proud owner of a beautiful grey horse named Sterling. Over the summer I plan to ride a ton, take lessons and maybe even enter some competitions. I’m also a runner. Going for a relaxed five-mile run is a great way to clear my mind and help me unwind from a busy day.
And when the days get hot, and I’ve got some time off, there’s no doubt that I’ll hunker down in my air-conditioned apartment for some Netflix binging.
I’m also lucky enough to live in vibrant Fort Collins, Colorado. FoCo is gorgeous in the summer. Everything greens up, the flowers come out, and it’s quieter because a large portion of the college students have gone elsewhere. The town hosts a plethora of community events. From music festivals to art walks, there’s always something to do. We’re also conveniently located just minutes from Horsetooth Reservoir which is a great place for hiking, biking, climbing and other outdoor recreating. Denver is only an hour away making it easy to get out of town for a day trip. Did someone say Elitches and the Cheesecake Factory?
A trip home
Lastly, I plan on making the 6 hour drive over the continental divide to my small hometown of Montrose in Western Colorado. I’ll hit up my favorite local restaurant, Horsefly Brewery, visit my former employer, The Coffee Trader, and maybe play some battleship late at night in our local Denny’s (my small-town friends will understand that!).
There are times that I long for the ease of fifth-grade summer days, but I remain happy. I get to spend summer in a town that I love surround by people that I enjoy.
… fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high.