I have spent the last two summers taking summer classes. So essentially since starting college I have been consistently in school almost all year round- and I truly enjoy it, but sometimes you get tired. This week especially I am tired. I have been doing too much homework because I foolishly procrastinated on my online course and it ends Friday. I also have another course that ends this week, so I have been spending countless hours in the media lab.

That aside, I have been taking summer classes the last two summers and I love it. It’s wonderful for a variety of reasons.

First, I never stop learning, which is incredible. There is something really rewarding to know that you are spending your summer advancing yourself in a variety of ways.

Second, I always have something to do. I am essentially the most anxious person on the earth and being able to have something to do is incredibly helpful. I really get anxious when I don’t have anything to do so having school to focus on makes me feel much better and makes feel productive.

Finally, I never stop growing. The main reason I continue to take classes is because during high school I always remembered how hard coming back from three months of summer vacation was. There was always an incredible curve where I would have to remember the skills I had forgotten and overlooked. By taking classes I am able to keep up writing skills and not have such a hard time when I come back to a full course load in the fall and that genuinely makes my life, and maintaining a decent GPA that much easier.

School is hard, and I know most people look forward to going home and getting back their high school summer jobs and working and hanging out with old friends, but I genuinely enjoy and benefit from summer classes. I would highly suggest them to anyone, even if they aren’t behind in school. Because no matter how difficult it might be to maintain discipline and keep up with commitments during the summer, the benefit of working, and taking a few classes is incredible.