First of all, if you're taking spring and summer classes, I salute you and I feel your pain.

I recently finished up my fourth year of college and up to this point, I had managed to avoid taking any classes during my summer break. But sometimes, they become unavoidable.

To the student taking summer classes,

I don't know why you're taking classes during your summer break. It could be for the same reason as me, there are some classes you know you'll need to focus on, and need more time to study for and therefore want to take them during a smaller course load. Summer may be the only opportunity you have to take classes. Or maybe some of your courses are only offered in the spring and summer. Whatever your reason may be, here you are taking classes during your much-needed break, and for that I am sorry. I know how stressful the fall and winter semesters can be since these are often the semesters where we take the largest course loads and spend so much time studying and stressed out that we can't wait until our winter finals are over and it's time for summer. Yet here you are getting ready to push through another set of courses, but here are some things we need to remember.

Taking classes doesn't mean your summer is gone

Sure, you will be spending some of your time taking courses, but that doesn't mean your entire summer is gone. You will still have opportunities to enjoy your summer while also taking classes.

A smaller class size

Not nearly as many students take classes during the spring and summer semesters and therefore your class size will be smaller than it would be during the fall and winter semesters. This will give your professor the opportunity to get to know you better and maybe have more time for one-on-one help in case you need it.

Better weather

Again, sure you may be stuck inside for part of your day in order to go to class, but summertime means better weather. You will be able to do your homework or studying outdoors, and some professors will even teach their class outside if it is nice enough.

Working through your degree

Even though you may rather want to be on the beach than in class, but taking classes during the spring and summer can give you the chance to work through your degree faster. Even if it's only one or two classes, that is still one or two classes more than some of your peers. And hey if you're anything like me, you've already been in school long enough so any chance to speed it up sounds pretty good to me.

You're a badass

Yeah, I'm talking to you. I know there are a million things you would rather do than take classes in the summer, but you're sucking it up and doing it anyway and I'm proud of you for that. You have realized what is important and you are doing what you have to do in order to finish your degree and that deserves some recognition and praise.

So to all of my fellow college students who are taking classes this summer just like I am, here's to you. You're a badass and I can't wait to see all of the things you will all accomplish during your college career and even more what you will do once that diploma is in your hand. I can't wait to celebrate with you when our graduation days finally come.

Sincerely,

A fellow college student sitting in class