They say that memories make a person; that in the end, we’re nothing but memories. And this is the time of the year during which everyone brims with memories. Teachers remember the somewhat aloof students they met at the beginning of the year and compare them to the people those same students have matured into. Parents look back on photo albums and baby pictures as they face the reality that their stumbling toddlers are saying goodbye.

Soon, it is graduation. Did we see it coming? No, because in our minds, we are still the same students who said goodbye to our upperclassmen during our sophomore year and the students who grumbled about taking the SATs last year. Then suddenly, we find ourselves picking our favorite picture for our senior portrait, submitting our college applications, ordering our caps and gowns, and attending graduation practice.

Thus, in light of our fast-approaching graduation, it is time to slow down and enjoy our time at home for as long as we can before opening a new chapter of our lives. The summer after senior year, or the summer before college, is one of the most pivotal times of our lives. It is the period of time in which we are both children and adults. It gives us the opportunity to indulge in all our childhood habits and dreams, while simultaneously making plans for the future. And although each senior’s summer plans are unique and personal, they orbit around the same thoughts.

From seniors who are moving as far as Japan and the Philippines, to those who are staying close to home in California, we all hope to savor the last of the time we have left with our friends. “I want to mend the bridges that may have burned during the last couple years,” says senior Jade Bose, “I want to tell people, ‘It was really cool to be your friend.’”

Whether we are mending old friendships or renewing them, no one wants to end on a bad note. After all, these are the memories we will remember the most, and it will be quite unfortunate if a twelve-year-long friendship is ruined because one friend pushed another into a puddle on the last day of school.

“My friend and I made a checklist of things we have to do together before college,” says Zemirah Lok. Camping, zip lining, weekly boba runs with close friends, and roadtrips are some of the top plans on this list. “I just want to spend more time with people that are important to me; people that I know I will have lasting relationships with.” As Lok is moving to Ohio, she explained that she will miss the wide variety of cultural foods in the Bay Area the most. She will also miss being able to slack off because her intensive major will keep her on her toes. And last, but definitely not the least, she says, “Can’t forget the fambam!”

Apart from friends, spending time with family is also crucial. Although there may be times when we cannot wait to get away from home, homesickness will eventually hit us hard. Which is why seniors have set aside a bit of their summer to spend time with family. Senior Sai Rao plans on visiting Europe over the summer with his family and spending as much time with them as possible.

Similarly, Amelia Wheaton says, “I’ll miss my family, especially my dog, so I want to spend more time with them.”

Friend and family time may already be on the senior summer bucket list; however, the rest of the list items are also similar. Visiting Great America and Disneyland are also popular topics. So are going to the beach or visiting Boardwalk, especially for seniors who are moving to a state where there are no beaches in the vicinity. Seniors also plan to visit their favorite local restaurants and eat as much homemade food as possible. Countless people also want to catch up on their favorite shows and even start reading for fun.

Furthermore, as an introduction to the professional world, several seniors have also taken it upon themselves to find a job, internship, or other such position. For example, Arjun Ray plans on teaching English in China and Rao got a job at a robotics camp.

As some students are waiting to grudgingly say goodbye to Santa Clara, and even California, others are glad that they will stay someplace close. Bose, who will be attending Santa Clara University, says, “I’m happy I don’t have to worry about not knowing where I am. My family and some of my friends will be here, too.”

“I’ll get to visit family very often, and travel won’t be too expensive. If  get homesick, I can just come home,” says Rao.

So whether seniors will go far or stay close to home, we should try and make the most of this summer.