With the switch from spring semester to summer break just around the corner, we have to be weary of how to stay ahead in our academics instead of falling behind due to anticipation of summer fun.

Summer is every student’s favorite time to sit back and relax. Although this is our time to have a vacation from school, it is important to remember that responsibilities still exist and shouldn’t be forgotten. One easy way to stay in line is to enroll in a summer class.

“Now that my freshman year is over, I feel as though it was a wake-up call,” said Jake Thompson, freshman athletic training major. “Grades are earned, not given, which means you have to work for what you truly deserve.”

Grades are what define your time spent in class. Summer school is a great option to look at for academic advantages as well as personal advantages.

“Taking courses over the summer has a positive outcome in a number of ways,” said Jill Boersma, director of undergraduate advising of liberal arts and sciences. “Students can work full-time while going to school full-time or take a less challenging course at a community college … while continuing positive progress towards their college career.”

Taking a course at your local community college offers the advantages of being close to home, access to well-paying summer jobs, less stress on academic pressures and the chance to either make up a lost credit or get ahead on desired credits.

“Summer school is definitely a good option for less cost, less pressure and a chance to get a jump-start ahead,” said Thompson.

Some would argue that spending time in the classroom during summer is a front row ticket to the worst time of your life. Taking that extra course now, however, can lead you to a more relaxing school year by relieving you from academic pressures that would normally be active during regular school periods.

“The advantages of taking summer courses are optional in both the Northern Illinois summer school program and also in the summer programs at any students’ local community college,” said Boersma.

Whether you take the class at NIU or at College of Dupage, you are still taking the class, keeping in mind that your adviser should confirm that your credits will transfer after completion so that you will have a valid credit out of the way.

“Regular summer course enrollment begins at the same time as fall semester enrollment,” said Boersma.

With fall semester enrollment in progress, considering the option of enrolling in a summer course shows student initiative, options for improvement and focus on what priorities are truly important.

“I agree that taking a summer course is very helpful,” said Nicole Becker, freshman business management major. “It is a downer to have to do school year round, but in the end, it will push

you ahead big time.”

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