University Star

Students appreciate the few months between semesters where they get to conveniently “lose” their backpacks. They toss their jeans in the darkest corner of the bedroom and spend more time applying sunscreen than scribbling words across notebook paper. Go take some extra classes and get a job instead of lying around the house in the same clothes for three days.

The summer months have been the longtime holy grail of relaxation and commitment to nothing but freedom and loud music. Though most people would not mind listening to the Rolling Stones while flipping burgers on a boat somewhere, some people simply understand that the summer can be just as productive a time as the spring or fall, in regards to school and work.

Students often fail to realize how far ahead they could get if they took just a few extra classes each summer. Sure, it is always nice to have some time where you do not have to be studying for exams or worrying about being late to a lecture. But (let’s face it) the “real world” does not work that way. In fact, we are all spending a lot of money for classes to earn a degree that will allow us to fearlessly face the world and start a career. By taking summer classes, students are not only graduating much faster but they are demonstrating their dedication and work ethic to potential employers.

If you are not in a rush to complete your degree, check out some of the elective courses. For example, web design is something that many people wonder about, but never experience firsthand. I strongly urge you to take a basic course in the summer that will teach you the fundamentals of creating your own websites. I have yet to meet a person that has dared to chance this course and walked away unsatisfied.

Now, before you take arms against me for daring to suggest sacrificing your precious free time for additional classes, let me throw another one at you. Get a job.

Many students understand the rewards, and the burdens, of holding down a job while in school. It can be incredibly frustrating trying to juggle both responsibilities and perform well in each. However, having said that, working while in college is incredibly important to your success in the future. Simply working each week will help to build a foundation of responsibility and hard work, though it may not exactly follow the career path you have chosen, which will foster your ever-growing skill-set for the professional world.

Go out to a local restaurant and apply for a server or bartender position. The Square is littered with places that provide an exciting, social environment where you can meet new people and add a little weight to your wallet. After all, who does not want a little extra spending money for the weekends? 

In today’s fast-paced world, you must work hard to keep up. This means when the summer rolls around, and your friends want to take a “break” from their lives for three months, consider turning them down (at least sometimes). Enroll in a few classes and get a part-time job. You will be better prepared to graduate early with some extra cash and a competitive advantage in the job market. Sounds like a pretty good deal if you ask me.