As the title clarifies, the summer school referenced in this article refers to the classes I took during “Session 1” and “Session 2” at my college. We all, I assume, know the perks of summer classes. Typically they are easier and meant to boost one’s GPA. The classes I took, which were Pre-Calculus and Cross Cultural Psychology, had different purposes. Pre-Calculus was meant to prepare me for my Calculus and Physics classes I’ll take in the future. Yes, completing this course allows me to take these classes as well as boost my GPA a fair amount. But it also offers something I don’t usually get out of a math class: enjoyment. I’m not implying that I’ll switch my major to math in the near future (or EVER), but taking that class gave me some much-needed confidence for when I take calculus and physics, two subjects I’ve never had before.
Cross-cultural psychology was very different from pre-calc. We basically had discussions on different readings and cultural issues every day. I took the class not only because it fulfilled part of my psychology minor, but also because I wanted to take a class that was “internationally” based. This class gave me so much more than I ever thought it could. I had perspective before, but now I have even more. I see the world differently. Before, I saw it through a lens that blended everything and everyone together. Now, I see through lenses that remind me that things are different for everyone, even people who I live across the street from.
Living away from home after being home for a month wasn’t as bad as I presumed it would be. Then again, I did live at my sister's, so it still felt like I was home in a way. But living in someone else’s house that isn’t your own, even my sister's, was an adjustment. I became victim to a different way of living. I had to work a bit harder at cleaning my own dishes and keeping my clutter out of the way because it wasn't my house, but at the same time it was. It was weird and I can’t really explain it. But I guess it’s like when my sister still lived at home and I didn’t leave my clothes or toys in her room, except now it’s a house.
The summer offers a new dynamic to the education experience. I’m so happy I took pre-calc in the summer. There were only four of us in the class, so I was able to get more attention (and I need all the help I can get when it comes to math!) Everything was also a lot more “chill” and flexible. But, school is more than class: friends are a factor too. Plenty of friends of mine lived on campus or in town, so it was kind of like the school year. But it was still harder to socialize because people have work, class and other obligations. The summer made the social experience become more like what it’s like for me at home: a lot more planning. The planning also seemed to make our interactions more important, I suppose, because we had to work harder to see each other. The summer also allowed for experiences that the school year restricts, like, day-long hiking, kayaking and experiencing a city in a way most people don’t have time for because there’s a lab report due tomorrow (SOS). Also, I saw my first concert since the Hannah Montana "Best of Both Worlds Tour" in fourth grade. So, if you have the chance to take a class in the summer, I’d recommend it.
