As summer slowly comes to a close, I am reflecting back on what exactly I have achieved in these three short months. I was newly single coming into summer, which was new to me. I was nervous and mostly worried about being alone. I was so used to having someone by my side for the last year or so and now, there I was all by myself.

But, little did I know, having time all to myself not only helped me branch out more but also set me up for more success. I ended up having three jobs this summer. I was a server, I interned for a baseball team, and I am the Editor-in-Chief for the Odyssey team I write for. I spent every single day working this summer. If I ever had a day off, it was because I took off.

I started to realize that this is what I needed for myself. I finally needed to focus on what is most important in my life and that is myself. I have two years left of college and a lot can happen in those last two years. This is when everything is most important to set me up for success with my future career.

Focusing on myself this summer opened up my eyes to a lot of things, including how much potential I have in this world. I have many years ahead of me to find the person I get to share the rest of my life with. And this summer, I have definitely figured out a lot more about myself and what I am capable of. At the rate I'm going, I know I will be successful. And in order to be successful, my mindset has to be that way as well.

Of course, dating is fun, but as I always say, in order to love someone else, you need to love yourself first.

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