CAMERON TRAYLOR / ASST. A&C EDITOR

Anticipation fills the air as students prepare for the arrival of the summer. Summer spans from festival grounds to road trips to exotic destinations. The summertime awakens and welcomes endless possibilities for people to experience and enjoy. As warmer temperatures signal the approach of the summer season, so do different mottos, affirmations and travel tips that are seen throughout the world. As temperatures increase, so does the list of activities and events going on in the world and even in your hometown. The spring time is usually a preparation time and a showcase of what the warmer days are usually going to look like. 

There’s countless options for summertime festivities, including hiking trails, water activities,  outdoor concerts and culinary festivals. Families can curate quality time together at museums, wildlife conservations and amusement parks. Adventure seekers can go on thrilling, exhilarating adventures like hot air balloon flights, white-water rafting and zip-lining. Relaxing pastimes like stargazing at night, relaxing in the park, or going to outdoor movie screenings are great ways to unwind and spend time with loved ones for individuals who like approaching life at a slower pace. 

USD junior Morí Rumi talked about his past summer experiences. 

“My favorite memory from last summer is going back to Turkey and exploring around, going to places I haven’t been as if I was a tourist in my own country, meeting up with old friends and having cookouts,” Rumi said.

Whatever your passion, summer is the time to explore new things and create treasured memories. Summer continues to be a timeless refuge, a haven of peace from the madness of the world around us, even as time goes on. Summer is the time of year for relaxing strolls and long days spent under the trees’ shade. Every day is an opportunity to start over, rediscover long-forgotten pleasures and create enduring relationships. 

USD junior Aliyah Jones’ summer expectations consist of travel. 

“Being in a new place and getting to see different places and meet new people. To create memories to look back on,” Jones identified.

Summer travelers are searching for a variety of experiences that meet their personal comfort levels, from busy urban escapes to peaceful nature retreats. There is a growing trend toward sustainable travel and more secluded destinations as people seek genuine global cultural immersion and are conscious of their impact on the environment. 

The summer of 2024 seems to be a season of rediscovery and experience, whether it’s going on worldwide travels or discovering undiscovered gems closer to one’s home. With so many vibrant flavors and seasonal treats that satisfy the senses and quench thirst, summer is a sensory feast. The season’s vivid colors and flavors are reflected in everything from refreshing beverages and farm-fresh food to blazing barbecues and ice-cold desserts. Enjoying outdoor dining at your favorite restaurant or throwing a backyard BBQ with friends is a great way to appreciate the simple joys of delicious food and companionship throughout the summer.

USD senior Zach Mseitif reminisced about his previous summers. 

“My favorite part of the summer was spending Fourth of July with all my friends…Oh and getting to spend time with my family back home in Washington,” Mseitif said.

Of course, summertime brings up visions of sunny days and outdoor activities, but it also brings up the ideas of pressing environmental issues. Responsibility for the environment and sustainable practices have become crucial, in light of the threat posed by wildfires, rising temperatures, severe weather and increased air pollution during the summer season. There are many things we can do to lessen our influence on the environment while still enjoying everything summer has to offer, like cutting back on carbon emissions, saving water and preserving wildlife and natural ecosystems. We can guarantee that later generations can continue to take in the beauty and abundance of summer for many years to come by choosing wisely and pushing for change.

As students prepare for the resounding brightness of the warm, sunny days, it brings us a time of reflection on the world and nature around us. Every summer inspires delight and gratitude for the world around us, from the vivid colors of a setting sun to the soft feel of a warm breeze. USD students cherish the memories and the shared experiences, especially the season of summer, that approaches us slowly, yet confidently and warmly. 

San Diego has several beaches where you can go relax and enjoy your summer days. Photo courtesy of @lajolla.ca/Instagram