Summer used to mean one thing: freedom. No school, no schedule, and no expectations. It meant long days outside, running through sprinklers with sticky popsicle hands, chasing lightning bugs at night, and staying up late watching movies with my siblings. But as I’ve grown up, summer has started to mean something different. It’s still a break—but it’s also become a time for focus, growth, and becoming the person I want to be.

Looking back, it’s amazing how much has changed. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade either version of summer. But I’ve realized recently that even when the school year ends, I’m not done learning. Now, I just get to decide what I learn and how I grow.

The Magic of Little Kid Summers

Some of my favorite memories from when I was younger come from those carefree summer days. I didn’t worry about tryouts, track times, or how to balance a schedule. I lived for pool days, sidewalk chalk, and ice cream trucks. I could spend hours outside with my siblings and friends, creating obstacle courses in the yard or pretending we were world-famous explorers. Every day felt like an adventure—or at least a really fun chance to get dirty and stay up late.

Even though I’ve outgrown a lot of that, I still miss the simplicity of it. I miss how summer felt endless, like there was no rush to get anywhere or be anything except exactly who I was at that moment. And honestly, I think holding on to a little piece of that joy is important, no matter how old I get.

Trading In Popsicles for Progress

These days, my summers look a lot different. I’m not racing around the yard—I’m running sprints on the track. Instead of making up imaginary games, I’m focusing on real goals. I train for basketball, stay in shape for track, and try to keep building the strength and confidence I’ll need for next season. I’m working on my shot, my speed, and my mindset.

Sometimes it’s hard not to compare myself to others. I didn’t make varsity basketball this year, and even though I’m proud to be on JV, I’m using this summer to push myself. I want to earn that varsity spot, and that means putting in the work now, when no one’s watching.

But even with the workouts, training, and practices, I make time to give back. Volunteering at my church, Abundant Life, has become an important part of my summer. And I still support animal rescues like Furry Kids Refuge and Wayside Waifs—something I’ve done since I was little. Giving my time feels just as important as giving it all on the court or the track.

Finding Balance in the Off-Season

Summer used to be all play. Now, it’s a mix of work and rest. I’m learning how to make time for both. I’ve realized that being productive doesn’t mean burning out, and being committed doesn’t mean giving up joy. I still go to the pool. I still hang out with my family. And I still stay up too late sometimes, watching movies or laughing with my siblings.

But now, I balance that with things that keep me growing. I’ve started journaling my goals. I follow new training plans. And I think more about who I want to be when school starts again—on the court, in the classroom, and as a big sister who sets the tone.

Being a role model is something I take seriously. My siblings might not say it, but I know they’re watching. That pushes me to keep showing up for myself, even when I’d rather sleep in or scroll my phone. I want them to see that being your best takes effort—but it’s worth it.

Growing Into Who I’m Meant to Be

Sometimes I think about how different I feel from the little girl running barefoot through sprinklers. She didn’t care about schedules, goals, or varsity teams. But in a way, I’m still her. I’m still chasing something. I still love the freedom of summer—it just looks different now.

Now, summer is about becoming. It’s the in-between space where I get to reflect, reset, and refocus. I can try new things, take risks, and learn without the pressure of grades or game scores. I get to grow on my own terms.

And maybe that’s what growing up really means—not leaving the old summers behind, but building on them. Taking the joy, the freedom, and the curiosity from those early years and using it to fuel something bigger. Something that’s mine.

What Summer Means to Me Now

If you asked me a few years ago what summer meant, I probably would’ve said “no school!” and “more pool days!” And while I still love those things, summer now means something deeper. It means showing up for myself. It means leading by example. It means choosing progress without losing joy.

I’ll always remember the sprinkler summers with a smile. But I’m proud of the summer I’m living now—the one where I sprint toward my goals and stretch into who I’m becoming.

Because even if summer isn’t just play anymore, it’s still full of possibility.