After reading the first 68 pages of Freshman Year, I see how different my summer was compared to Sarah’s. She’s just out of high school, working summer jobs, figuring things out, and being told by her mom to spend more time with her little brother. I can relate to that part a little, especially the reminder to spend time with family.

But honestly, my summer was all about responsibilities. As someone over 40, a wife, life looks different. I wasn’t just preparing to start school, but juggling everything else. My summer was full of getting my house in order, like landscaping, gardening, handyman stuff, organizing my office and the house, staying on top of bills, doctor’s appointments, and even setting up an Excel spreadsheet for monthly budgeting, ensuring everything is on autopay, so I do not miss paying some bills. Helping my husband with his stuff: I am his administrative assistant; He is the CEO, and I am the CFO in our house (he said). I also had to complete so many school requirements like immunization records, health forms, and mandatory online classes on topics like drug and alcohol awareness and human trafficking. It was a lot.

But just like Sarah, I made sure to spend time with family and friends before school started. I know that once the semester begins, I won’t have as much time for them, and that I’ll miss out on stuff in the next three to four years while focusing on school. That “last hooray” meant a lot to me.

Sarah is just starting her journey into adulthood. For me, I’m returning to school after already living a full adult life. It’s scary and exciting at the same time. We’re in different stages, but we both spent the summer getting ready for big changes.