If you’re like me, this part of the year can be tough to get through. Homework is piling up, we have just a few days off, and instead of enjoying sunny days, we still have to be in classrooms. It’s especially tough with AP tests happening and finals looming around a dark corner. During this period, it’s essential to look forward to brighter things. Summer break is my only motivation for getting out of bed and trudging through school. I have a summer countdown on my phone for the entirety of the second semester as a glimmer of hope. If you can relate, read for a few summer aspects to get through the second semester.

No homework! Having homework almost every night for nine months makes me really dread it, so being liberated from it is a huge relief. This frees up room for so many better things. Not to mention a huge stress factor is removed for a little while. 

In Oregon, summer’s the only season we can go swimming, which is one of my favorite things to do. So I really take advantage when I’m by a pool, lake, or the ocean from June to August. I can’t wait for pool days with my friends. 

I’m the type of person who really only thrives when it’s sunny. This is why summer will always be my favorite season. I’m my happiest self when the sun’s out. Thinking about being tan is one of my favorite things to think about when I’m in our freezing school.

Being with my friends 24/7 in the summer is the best. I basically move into their houses. I’m constantly laughing and a smile rarely leaves my face. This is another reason why summer me is the best me. 

I cannot stand getting up at 6 am every day after going to bed late. Starting at 7:35 in the morning is probably the worst thing about school. So it’s not surprising I sleep until 11 most summer days. I cannot wait for that to be normal again.

For Swifties, this summer is a big one. Taylor Swift just announced Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) is releasing on July 7. This is huge, exciting news. Also, the Eras Tour will continue through August. There are many fans attending the Seattle shows from July 22-23. 

The beach is one of my favorite places to be. I’m excited to spend tons of time at the beach this summer. My friends and I also take an annual trip in August to Lake Billy and it’s a highlight of my year. 

I hate being cooped up in a school for such a long time, so summer’s a season I really try to get outside. Hikes, especially with friends, are so fun to go on. Oregonians should take advantage of the many beautiful trails around. One of my personal favorites is called Angel’s Rest, and it’s not far. 

As you can see, even though the end of the school year can be really hard to get through, there are plenty of summer activities to fantasize about until they come true in just a few weeks. With sleeping all day and taking trips with friends in the near future, we can make it through the last stretch of the second semester.