Many of you may think, “Why take summer classes and not enjoy the summer?” Recently I’ve been asking myself that question a lot as well. I think that maybe it would keep me busy throughout the summer if I ever get bored, but sometimes it gives me more stress than I have during a semester! There are three stages that tend to arise when taking a summer course. You may or may not have more stages, but I believe that these three pretty much sum up what is going on in your head throughout your summer class experience. Whether you take a summer class online or physically go to a campus, these three steps have definitely come across your mind at some point.

1. The Excited Stage

In this stage you are excited about taking the class. You just enrolled in the course of your choice (whether you need the course for your major or it’s just for fun) and you are excited to see what is in store for the next couple of weeks. You find yourself trying to be more organized and making schedules for when assignments are due. You find that you are ready to conquer this course and are anticipating the start.

2. The Questioning Stage

Now that the class has begun, you find yourself questioning why you enrolled in the first place. Did you think it was necessary to take out time over your summer to learn? Are the three to four extra credits worth it? Are you still going to have enough time to hang out with your friends and family? Or are you going to be stuck inside crying while everyone else is at the beach or in the pool? But you start to realize that it is too late because you already bought the book, paid for the class AND the drop period just passed, so it looks like you’re stuck taking the course. But it will be okay, you still have faith and positivity to get you through.

3. The Regret Stage

Oh no, what did you do to yourself? As the weeks progress the class continues to get harder and asks for more time from your life. You begin to find yourself saying no to plans from your friends and your laptop or car (if you commute) is your best friend. At this point you completely regret committing to this course. I mean, you could have just taken it during the fall, right? But no, you tried to be one step ahead and now you realize that it was a decision you should not have made. At this point there are only a couple of weeks left. Well, maybe, depending on how fast these stages take for you. Hang in there! You can do this! Time management is key. But don’t forget to take some time out for yourself too. Go to the beach one day. Don’t keep blowing off plans. You got this!