I don’t know about you, but last semester ran me ragged. My parents taught me to never go down without a fight, and I didn’t. Fighting tooth and nail, I hated some of my classes but was determined to get a good grade in them. When I passed the last final I was more than ready to sleep for an entire day and be free from academia for a few months. However, I signed up for some summer classes because I’m determined to fit lots of school into four years. After a week of being home, I started chemistry. Here’s what ran through my mind.
- This will be fun!
Yes, I truly thought that taking a six week chemistry class would be fun. I enjoyed it in high school, so it can’t be that bad, right? At least it’s better than a semester of physics. - Why am I doing this?
Not only have I found myself questioning why I am spending my days learning when I could be working and seeing friends, I’ve wondered why I chose to take this class at the place that I am. I wanted so badly to come home for the summer, and the closest option was an hour from home. Leaving home at 7 a.m. to drive an hour one way for four hours of chemistry every day is not fun, let me tell you. - Praise The Lord, I have friends in this class!
I was worried that I wouldn’t know anyone, but luckily, everyone in my class is kind and willing to help each other understand concepts! - Are we done yet?
After three days of class and realizing that it was only Wednesday, I had to accept that this would not be like other classes that I was used to. - Can we slow down, please?
I realized that this would be much faster than a normal semester-long class. A chapter a day for five weeks is the equivalent to two weeks of a Monday-Wednesday-Friday class during the semester. - I immediately regret my decision.
I’d be lying if I told you that I hadn’t entertained the idea of quitting and waiting to take this during the semester. But I ain’t no quitter, and sprinting towards the graduation finish line and away from an extra semester. However, I’m not sure how I’m going to do this once my second class starts next week. - I can’t wait to finish this class!
Don’t get me wrong, I love learning! But I was surprised that I spend 8-10 hours a day on homework and studying this class. The end is in sight (way off in the distance), and at least I will have this class out of the way!
So far, my first summer class experience has been interesting. While not at all what I expected, I know that I will come out stronger for enduring these classes, and farther ahead on my degree.
