by Naomi Tamayo

Rocky Road

The world is aptly waiting for you. Mountain highs and the beach breeze calling your name to the beat of your heart’s excitement.

Up the volume to Keep Driving as you sail through the majestic stretches of road. Pillows and snacks in the backseat, coolers and packed bags in the trunk–a road trip was just what you needed. Driving through the cultures of each region, stopping over at the most unique stores and restaurants, and the absolute breath of fresh air you feel as you watch the ever-changing scenery around you–it’s a dream. 

For those who want to reach even further? Take flight. Palawan, Ilocos, Boracay, Siargao, and the different countries around the world (that have lowered their restrictions) are right in front of our eyes, ready to be reached and ready to be explored. Feel the cool airport vibes at the beginning, the euphoria of being in the air in the middle, and the pure excitement once you arrive at your destination in the end. What could possibly be any better?

Homely Vanilla

People always imagine summer as running around in the sun, going out to malls with friends, or faraway trips with family. But sometimes, there’s really just no place like home. Why subject yourself to getting up, putting on a mask, and exposing yourself to all the viruses and diseases out there, when everything is perfect right here at home?

Home with free food, free air conditioning, and comfortable furniture! (All care of your grown-ups, of course). Your home has everything you need and more. If summer back then was going out and playing games; now, it’s staying in and playing games. Headphones on, snacks by your side, and you’re ready for hours upon hours of Discord and Videogames. 

Being home means more time for yourself, your self-care, your pets, and maybe even for your family. Being home and feeling at home is, and always will be, a gift.

Green Tea Magis

Do you ever feel like school is finally over but for some odd reason you still, for the life of you, cannot shake the student in you out? It might be crazy for others, doing all the school-related things during what should be a school-free time, but hey. You let them be them so they should let you be you. 

Org work? On it. SHOrSem training? Down. Reviews? You bet. There is nothing wrong with doing so much if you’re so exemplary at doing this much. There’s a different kind of payoff when it comes to doing these things. It’s more than being extra, it’s more than just keeping yourself busy; there is purpose in all your actions. There’s the passion, the drive, and the sense of belonging in what you do. Even if sometimes it’s hard or consuming, you know in your heart that it is all worth it, that once you’re done, you are able to look back with happiness at all you had accomplished. 

Strawberry Friendships

Friends are amazing. You meet a bunch of them at different eras of yourself, you go through good and bad times together, and you make sure the friendship survives past school and months of not seeing each other. Every friendship is so special and sometimes, friendships even make miracles. An example? One of your outings finally happening outside of the group chat. 

Malls, parks, and each other’s houses summer are never complete without your people there with you enjoying it. With the cool drinks, warm hugs, and bright atmosphere; there was no time lost at all. Everything changes, the world always proving that to be so, but it never changes them and you. 

Chocolate Hugs

If there’s one sure thing that summer gives us, it’s time. We get more seconds, minutes, and hours in a day—so much room to move around once we’re free from academics or anything school-related. 

At the same time, this means that there’s also more time for overthinking, for things to happen so fast around you before you can even keep up. For some, more time means more room for anxiety, worries, and negative energy. 

May it be something concerning your personal life, the fear of coming to a brand new school, or the pressure of having to be great in your last year of high school–everyone has something to worry about. Some might not have the kind of comfort or reassurance that others do and it’s hard being so isolated at a time when everyone expects you to be calm and happy. Try as we might, we can’t change the tides of stop time… but we can be there for each other.

So to those having a not-so-spectacular summer, the warmest of hugs. There are people who care and are here for you. 

It doesn’t matter what size, brand, or flavor summer you’re having. Making the most of the time you have with the people and activities you choose to spend it with is all that matters. There’s only so much time left before school starts up again and things will have to change; but for now, take a breather, be happy, and have an amazing summer.