If you have ever participated in a student summer program, you will probably be able to relate to this very well. If not, I get it. There are probably a lot of other things you’d rather do with your summer then go to a strange place with random people to learn. You’d probably rather go to the beach or hang out with friends. But I have now participated in three programs, and I can honestly say that they have been some of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.

I’m here to tell you about just a few of the benefits these programs will have for you, and tell you a little bit about my experiences.

1. You will make life-long friends who share your passions and interests.

It sounds cliché, or maybe something the program would put on their brochure, but I can’t stress how true it is. Last summer I attended the Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. It was a two-week long camp where we learned about different disciplines in the environmental field. There were about 30 of us from across the country, and by day two we had bonded so quickly, it felt like we had known each other our whole lives. It was such an amazing experience to be able to connect with other high school students who share my passion for the environment. I am still very much in touch with the people I met at ESSYI 2015, and ironically I ran into a friend from ESSYI at a completely different program, called the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE), that I just finished a couple days ago. WYSE was more focused on environmental policy, being that we were staying at George Mason University in DC. I am extremely passionate about the environment, and I honestly really don’t know a whole lot of other people in my community who are. Being able to connect to other people who share my passion re-enforced my enthusiasm for conservation and allowed us to connect and bond so quickly.

2. You will be able to explore your interests.

Attending ESSYI really confirmed for me that environmental studies is the route I want to pursue. Being exposed to the different disciplines really allowed me to get a little taste of what working and studying in the field would look like. If you don’t know what you want to do, there are a lot of programs at colleges where you can take general classes and just get an idea of what college looks like. There are also a lot of programs for specific interests where you can even participate in research! Start Googling. There are a lot of really amazing programs for any interest you can think of. Also, if there is a college that you are interested in, start there! Spending a week or two on campus can really give you an idea if you could see yourself there or not.

3. It looks killer on a resume!

Showing that you did something productive with your summer can be a really, really good tidbit for your college resume. Participating in a program at the college you are applying to looks even better! Some programs even offer college credit, so be sure to check into that and the program requirements.

4. Summer programs give you real-life skills.

This summer, I also attended Earth Care by 21^st Century Leaders at Berry College in Rome, GA. Earth Care was sponsored by Georgia Power, and was more focused on one particular project about alternative energy sources. The rest of the week was more of a leadership conference for high school students from the state of Georgia. (Side note: If you live in Georgia, check out 21^st Century Leaders. They have several different programs, and some of them are funded by companies like Georgia Power. If you feel like summer programs are not financially realistic, look into these types of programs, or look into scholarships or fundraising!) Earth Care wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but it gave me some really good real-world skills. For example, we had a workshop on public speaking (my worst fear) and even another about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The point is that you don’t just take classes at these programs. You learn important leadership skills that allow you to become a more well-rounded person.

5. It is just a really, really, really great experience.

I guess this last one is sort of repetitive, but all of the programs I have attended have all been such unique, incredible opportunities. I have had such an amazing time at all of them exploring my passion for the environment and networking with other people who share that with me. You really do get super close with a group when you live and do everything together for a week or two. I just can’t tell you how great these experiences were.

It might mean you have to get up early and go sit in a classroom, rather than spending the day at the pool. Or it might mean going out to set camera traps and do field research in the forest, rather than going to a movie with friends. You will work hard, but the memories you make and the people you meet are so incredibly and totally worth it.