I am writing to you from Topsail Island in North Carolina. The beach outside our condo is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. When I arrived late last night, I walked down on the beach and let the waves roll over my bare feet. The moonlight rippled over the calm sea. And I couldn’t help but jump out into the ocean — shirt and all — and let one of the waves carry me back to the shore.

It’s hard to believe I almost didn’t make the trip out here.

I have four jobs this summer, being the forum editor here at the Stater is just one of them. I didn’t think I’d have the time to take four days off to be here with my family, but I got some good advice from a former professor:

“Seriously, Steve. Don’t work too hard. There’s plenty of time to work, you know? Your whole life.”

So here I am. And I couldn’t be happier.

So to anyone who has spent the whole summer worrying about class and jobs, I offer you this advice: Take a break! Even if you can’t get out of the state, take a day off and go hiking, or drive somewhere random with friends. You’ll be glad you did.

I know I was.

Steve Schirra is a junior English major and the forum editor for the Summer Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].