Deadlines seemed to roll in on daily basis and the far future fears named End of Years arrived as a lightening stroke, and ended as quickly.  Classmates were panicking, whereas I was oddly released from school stress and jogged to and fro, wondering what major point I might have missed. Instead I found myself rebelliously stuffing the days until bursting-point, with everything – except - school work. I dug myself a deep hole where I temporarily hid from duties. I gasped for breathe a while before maturity, responsibility and determination to face reality, possible peaked down on me. Although I was isolated by a carefree bubble, any additional responsibility shifted on my shoulders would eventually erupt its fragile cover and give a ride back to earth.

Spending whole week-ends and evenings in the orienteering woods, baby-sitting and “voluntary” working, filled together with friendship and family life my spare time. I know they are in my interest and mostly self-chosen, but the short word no is paradoxically hard to utter. I seemed to have pre-consumed this year’s energy, and unfortunately lacked all additional reserves for the last spurt. The flexibility border was crossed and I used the method of procrastination to escape my guilty conscience. My thoughts had long ago levitated towards summer and I still do live in the false illusion that nothing can stop me from reaching there. The summer vacation has never ever before stood my heart closer; I am worse than a child at Christmas Eve.

Continuous warmth, jeans shorts, strawberries and ice cream, clown jump competitions into the wet big blue, camp life feat. best possible company, violently looking hands from blueberry harvest, family gatherings, scent of fresh mowed lawn, chop the wood, beach party in never-ending nightlight, long cycling tours, rhubarb pie and milk, catchy colour clicks dressed in sandals, sauna with dip, Sandvikens flea market, picnic with the girls, chic owl sunglasses, cut the reed in glorious methane steam,  tender flower dresses, sit at the edge of the bridge with feet tumbling in the ocean, mountain orienteering in Sälen & archipelago orienteering on Åland, celebrating grandpa, pat the cows, roller-skating with bff, and swimming with the elks are glimpses of the incredible summer that is to come. The best ten weeks of the year will start in a breakthrough: three weeks of la vie des deux blondes en Côte d’Azur. For this trip I have been planning and writing pack list since the Christmas holiday. Lists bring the dreams closer and can trick the thoughts away from stress.

This summer rushes towards my open arms, and is the last summer of complete freedom. Following years of adulthood will preferably include work as well, but this summer is the opposite. We can call it “the summer of spending money on utility increasing experiences”. Waking up with the early birds completely relaxed and finally without minute plan, belongs to my favourite moments of life; the knowledge that nothing can stop you from spontaneously jump into the superb day is indescribable.  But teachers, no worries about the studies and the Extended Essay, certain amounts of workloads only stimulate me as an active person.

People at Mattliden: Make the most of the last school days and participate eagerly in the school events, they are arranged for you. Try to face next years challenges without thinking that "I can handle it all, it is just a matter of time management". Believe me - it is not beneficial to start off an important year with a daily minute schedule that already in the planning stage is impossible, I have experience. Lower the barriers of  satisfaction and remember the social life; it is the best medicine against a bad mood. Rely on the laid back attitude of Bob Marley and his gals if the stress appears head over heels. The reward which we receive after graduation is uniquely and individually formed, yet sharable for maximised fun. Take one day at a time, and I hope your summer will be as good as mine...Freedom, freedom, frreeeeddooooomm!