Summer programs provide a way for students to get a taste of the college lifestyle. A student can explore majors and possible school choices by actually experiencing the school, living there, eating there and being involved. Summer programs also allow students to surround themselves with similarly driven people who want to further their education and get an overall understanding of college as well as make connections for the future.
Below is a list of positive impacts that pre-collegiate summer programs have:
- Making Friends
In summer programs it is very common to be worried about being in a new place and not knowing the people around you. However, because everyone else shares same feelings, a sense of comfort is found with the people you meet. Becoming friends with people in such a short amount of time requires you to act on immediate connections that can result in long-lasting friendships. People who are at the program most likely share similar views and opinions, which eases the process of creating new friendships. In my experience, some of the nicest, smartest and most accomplished people I’ve met are from summer programs. They have allowed me to further explore my interests even after the programs were over, they also have exposed me to new ideas and ways of thinking, as I can learn through their experiences. By making new friends in programs you learn to love your friends and have an understanding of how they make you a better person in school and in society overall.
The relationships I’ve created through programs have not just lead to more average friends, but to people I consider my family.
- Time Management
Many people struggle with time management skills, however being provided an opportunity to solidify these skills before entering college has many benefits. Since summer courses are already very condensed, work is expected to be done for homework. Yet, because of other required and social activities, the amount of time to do work is shortened even more. Due to this, it is extremely important to plan times to do assignments and how much work should be done per day. By practicing this skill over the summer, the ability to schedule work while balancing social activities can easily be carried through the school year, easing the transition between summer break and the start of classes.
- Importance of Effort
Effort is one of the most important things you can learn from summer programs because of its use in almost every aspect of life. Many people believe that effort is only needed in the academics portion of programs, and while this is true due to shortened amounts of completion time and the need to efficiently absorb information taught in classes, effort is needed it in many more situations. It is vital when making friends and creating permanent relationships, especially when trying to communicate with a passing acquaintance or group members. It is also essential when trying to reach out to professors or any adult in which you want to create a connection with for the future. Without putting effort into things such as getting contact information or setting up times to meet, it is next to impossible to get to know the person or to work with them.
- Improving Writing
If you are interested in improving your writing skills exponentially then summer programs are definitely for you. The high standards and shortened allotted time for completion require that writing skills and editing skills be quick and efficient. Peer editing also plays a major role as it allows for a fresh take and is an easy way to collaborate with other students and to expand your view of the topic.
- Having Fun within Restrictions
While you do get to experience the college lifestyle, programs have rules and curfews to ensure the safety of all students. Many think that because the rules are in place there is no way to have a good time during the program, however by making friends and learning how to create memories, fun is inevitable. In my opinion, the best part of summer programs is being with new friends and creating games, cooking wild concoctions and laughing at ridiculous movies at 2 in the morning- knowing classes will continue the next morning. From tired morning coffee runs to having pints of ice cream in empty dorms, learning how to play within the rules allows you to the ability to have fun with anything in life, no matter the restrictions that are placed.
Overall pre-collegiate summer programs can have had a big impact on the way one views life and can work to ease stress about going to college.
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