Every year, the summer seems to get shorter. Each year adds something new to the schedule, pushing desired plans further to the side.

However unwelcome this change from spending every day at the pool to spending every day bagging groceries may be, it is gradual and comes with increased age, maturity and responsibility. Eventually, summer vacations will be a thing of the past as careers and families take their place.

I've always known that carefree summers couldn't last forever, but adulthood and my future seem to be sneaking up on me with incredible speed. Honestly, it's a bit overwhelming.

I'm sure everyone has felt overwhelmed at some point by looking at what decisions and events lie ahead. Parents and teachers tell students that those four fleeting years in high school are the ones that count. Do well in high school, get into a good college, get a good job, live happily ever after. Do poorly in high school and the fairy tale ends there.

I think high school is hard enough just making that transition from childhood to adulthood. Most high school kids are in maturity limbo--wanting to grow up but also wanting to hold onto the easy, carefree side of childhood.

So, are high school students supposed to be responsible adults from day one of freshman year and always work hard for their futures? Or are they to remain fun-loving and act young until graduation day?

This summer, around my half-birthday, I realized I only had six more months to be a kid before I legally became a adult. Therefore, I ran through sprinklers, rolled down hills, and teepeed a house all in between working, volunteering and getting my license.

After considering this juxtaposition of events, I concluded that there is no determined date or year that one must stop doing favorite childhood activities. But there are situations when one must stop acting childish and grow to take on new responsibilities.

Every year brings new adventures and opportunities to grow. Yes, high school is very important to one's scholastic and career future, but it is equally important to the development of one's character. Use every new experience as a chance to mature, but don't let go of your childhood.

Some of the subjects I will write about this year may seem juvenile, while a few might be somewhat profound. My plan is to get a good balance of both, because childhood and adulthood are both part of life, especially high school life.

Though the school year may not fly by as quickly as the summer, it will go fast. So make the most of it.