The summer is slowly coming to an end, and as we near the beginning of the school year, I feel the need to share some thoughts.    The summer always seems to pass us by much too quickly. The minutes turn into hours, days, weeks and eventually months faster than many of us realize. Before we know it, we’re packing our bags and moving into our residence halls or apartments, ready to start a new year of stress, work and loads of homework. We bid farewell to the days of lazing around and sleeping until noon. Soon we will welcome 8 a.m. classes and the college experience with open arms all over again.    Wholeheartedly, I’ve always been a fan of the summer. Everything from the 100-degree weather to the abundance of free time on our hands, summertime has an appeal of its own. I grew up in California, and ever since I’ve moved to the wonderful state of North Carolina, summer has been my own personal hit of the Golden State. It takes me back to the beaches and theme parks I grew up near and lures my mind to a bittersweet nostalgia, making me feel as if my toes are back in the warm sands of Venice Beach.   Contemporary college students, however choose to fill this wonderful season with work and school. It would be hypocritical of me to say I didn’t do that same, but as this summer rolls steadily to an end, I find myself disheartened at the thought that I didn’t spend more time just breathing. With summer classes, work and various other commitments, I never got around to scheduling simply sitting by the pool with a good book or spending a day at the beach with close friends. It’s unfortunate that far too many college students have made the same mistake. All of these people with me have let summer slip through their fingers without fully enjoying it.   The stress and pressure that comes with the school year is a memory soon we will begin reliving in the upcoming month. We will have deadlines to meet and notes to study. Although summer courses come with some of these necessary evils, the limited class time in a summer day gives us the opportunity to relax a little and bask in the warmth of the summer sun. This advantage isn’t available during the normal school year.  I am a strong supporter of summer classes, but I suggest taking classes during only one of the two sessions. Take the rest of the summer to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.    With these last few weeks, I recommend you give yourself a break and just relax. Put work and school aside and stop stressing. Sign up for a yoga class. Spend time with your family. Take that much-needed week off. Sleep in as much as you can and take that extra nap. Most importantly, apply this lackadaisical attitude to any part where it can be afforded. With the upcoming stress of classes, we’ll later be thankful for all the relaxation we received.    As the school year begins, we have much to look forward to, including all that is encompassed in our busy schedules. It’s important we unwind and clear our heads before we step into our busy lives once again. As the great William Shakespeare once said, “And summer’s lease hath all too short a date,” so enjoy the remainder of your summer!