In my long four years at TAMUK I have never opted to take a summer off. As a freshman, though summer classes never felt encouraged, I sought the opportunity to take advantage of the beginnings of COVID in 2020 when all classes were taught online and registered for summer classes. It was the first time of many summers that I would take online classes, so I started slow with only two classes, one in the first session, one in the second, and this pace worked for me. As I progressed through college and took on another major, I had the goal of still graduating in four years, so at that point I knew summer classes would be essential to this. I averaged two to four summer classes from my sophomore summer to now my fourth summer taking courses, and I will be graduating next month, so it worked.
Summer classes are challenging; they’re fast paced with loads of homework, as you are taking a normally 16-week course, in just five. However, if you know me, I like a challenge. Summer classes worked for me. I gave up most summers, but they weren’t completely just filled with classes. I managed to balance my course work with my job and had time, though limited, to have a fun summer.
I do not think summer courses are for everyone though. I was barely able to balance everything myself taking summer classes and working, but I’m glad I pushed through. Summer classes are hard and if you can’t discipline yourself to do the work or show up, you will not pass.
Taking courses in the summer worked for me but it may not work for you. If you are interested in summer classes next year, I would recommend registering for just one or two courses, per session. Or have two courses in one session and one in the next, so you at least have one month of summer that isn’t too class oriented. If you think summer courses would work for you, go for it, test it out. I was able to complete more than 10 courses in summer classes alone over my four years here. So, if you’re up for an academic challenge, summer classes might just be for you.
