Summer is a time for college sweethearts who are separatedduring the school year to make up for lost time.
University of Memphis senior Samantha James met her boyfriendthree years ago on a study abroad trip in Costa Rica.Unfortunately, he is a student at Texas State University, and theystruggle to maintain their long distance relationship throughoutthe school year.
"At best we see each other two or three times during thesemester, but summer break is one of the few times we get to seeeach other more often," said James.
However, James will be out of the country for two months oversummer break, which will mean further separation from herboyfriend.
"Long distance relationships are very difficult, but the onepositive thing I can say about it is that I have had more time tofocus on my other 'boyfriend,' nursing school," said James.
Like James, other students use their distance as motivation toget through the exhausting school year and to be able to enjoy theupcoming summer with their loved ones again.
U of M junior Chris Larkin said it is sometimes tough to holdhis long distant relationship together with his high schoolsweetheart, who attends Saint Mary's College in Indiana.
"We get to see each other only a few times during the semesterand on breaks," said Larkin. "Keeping a long distance relationshipalive is a lot of work, but always worth it when you're with theright person."
Junior Amy Clyce also has a boyfriend she only sees a few timesa semester.
"Since my boyfriend goes to Vanderbilt, we only see each othertwice a month," said Clyce. "Even though it can sometimes bedifficult, the distance reminds us of how important we are to oneanother and allows us to have independent lives and avoidsmothering each other."
U of M junior Cynthia Randolph and her boyfriend, who attendsIndiana University, are maintaining their relationship successfullynow, but it has not always been that way.
Randolph said she has gone through many stages to finally acceptthat the distance is not permanent.
"After everything we've been through, we are doing what isnecessary to make things work in the long run," said Randolph. "Andwhat is a moment apart when you can spend a lifetime together?"
The strain of long distance relationships can be very hard toget through, said Rob Maichrowicz, manager of the Psychological andCareer Counseling Center for Student Development.
"If two people have become overly attached to one another andhave not developed other friends or activities for support orfulfillment, then the negative feelings from the separation aremagnified," said Maichrowicz
