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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.