Trust me. I know the very definition of a loaded schedule.

As a double major, I have to take 158 credits (our school charges extra for taking over 17 a semester) minimum to graduate.

I have been involved in over 15 clubs and activities in 3 semesters. Some require 150-300 hours of commitment in the span of a month.

Going to a liberal arts school requires me to take 23-27 gen eds (27 if I keep my second major)

Even when I do not have a club activity, my friends in my major and on my wing have events happening all the time.

And... I plan on graduating in four years (it's not a pipe dream; I will just skirt by with 160 credits).

I still have enough room to squeeze in classes that don't fulfill general education requirements - that don't bolster either of my majors. I have joined handbell classes and seminars about "The Chronicles of Narnia."

So why take them?

Why not?

Take my advice with a grain of salt if you want (or red pepper flakes if you have the "delight" to eat in our dining commons). But I think college students should try at least one class outside of their majors and outside of the core curriculum. Here's why:

1. They give you a nice credit boost.

An obvious point, but if you attend my University, the number of credits you have counts for everything. You register based on that magical number (and therefore can access certain classes). Even to room in an apartment, you have to have a certain credit number. Why not take a 1-3 credit hour class to add a couple digits?

2. You'll never get a chance to do college over again.

When I joined handbells, several family members remarked to me about how they wish they would've taken a class like that when they attended college. Once you leave, it's not likely you'll do Ceramics at noon every day or a Shakespeare class after getting home from work at five.

3. If you hate it, you can drop it.

You don't really have much to lose, especially because the class doesn't apply to your major.

4. You stretch yourself.

Who knows? Perhaps you can attain a new skill that will help you in the long run.

5. You make new friends.

If you have classes with those only in your major, you'll have difficulty branching out to those in other studies.

6. You could have fun.

I can't promise anything, but I've had some of the best experiences in non-major classes.