It’s May! Winter is behind us and warm weather, sunscreen, and the excitement of summer break is finally here! The pool is getting ready to open and I am making plans to have a fun-filled summer, aren’t we all! Then suddenly, I’m hit with reality – I have a full-time job, like the song Dolly Parton sings Working 9 to 5, along with summer grad classes and interning. I have responsibilities! How am I going to have fun? Did I just realize I’m an adult?

This summer is a little bit different than last summer (although I was very busy with grad school last summer). I didn’t like the fact that reality was right in front of me and I felt like my childhood was over.

I was talking to a few people my age and they felt the same way. One said, “I don’t like this growing up stuff”. That made me realize this isn’t just me. It is a real worry for some. Maybe it is the fear of the unknown or what the future may hold, a change from how things used to be with the structure of school or the comfort of a previous job.

The more I thought it through MY CHILDHOOD IS NOT OVER. It will never be over for me. Anyone who feels this way please understand our childhood never goes away from us. Just because we’re growing up doesn’t mean everything has to change. Sure, we are going to have to make adjustments. But this change can be so beneficial if we allow it.

This is just a new chapter to our life story, not a new book. The background, morals, likes, dislikes, and everything in between are still the same. Childhood things we love won’t go away, they still stay with us and it will all be okay.

I’m a kid at heart, and I always will be. There is no goodbye to the Nickelodeon & Disney loving, fairytale wishing, creative girl I am.

Always remember to Be Yourself Be Strong And Be Beautiful®

-Alia Renee