Summer break was probably one of the greatest inventions in the history of schooling. But for some reason, someone decided that summer school would be a thing. It started off as a fear in grade school - no one wanted to go to summer school. Then we got to college and it became a standard question: are you taking summer classes? It's not feared like summer school. Until, of course, the night before your summer class is set to start. Then you go through the seven stages of taking a summer class.
1. Denial
No, I'm on summer break. Classes and homework aren't real. And even if they are real, I've still got weeks until I have to start reading textbooks and studying again. There is no way my classes start in two days and my summer break is essentially over. It's impossible!
2. Admittance
The first class starts tomorrow. I can't deny it any longer. I'm going to have to set my alarm again and probably four or five extra ones because I know I'm not going to want to get up. I'm going to have to start checking Blackboard again to make sure I don't miss any assignments. Summer classes really do start tomorrow.
3. Anger
Why do I even have to take summer classes? Why didn't I just take more classes during the regular school year? Why didn't I take more AP tests in high school so I could come in with more credits? Who decided we need so many credits to graduate that we can't get all of our credits without summer classes? Why have I done this to myself?
4. Bargaining
Dear (God, Professor, Dean, Chancellor, College Overlords), please let me do well in this class. I promise I won't skip classes to go to the beach, and I'll get all my assignments done early if you just let me do well in this class!
5. Depression
I barely got over the trauma of last semester and now I have to start another class? This was such a bad idea. I really should have done everything to avoid taking a summer class. It's like i'm trying to make my life miserable.
6. Working Through It
OK, it's only five weeks of class. I can do this. It won't be too bad. I can totally nail these assignments and still hit the beach. These assignments aren't even *that* hard. I think I can work through this.
7. Acceptance
Well, I don't have much of a choice, so let's just get this done. These classes won't take over my life, so I can definitely do this.
Good luck to everyone taking summer classes. Just don't forget to take some time to relax. After all, it is summer. You deserve some fun.
