In the Good Ole Summertime

I envy my co-bloggers this semester, and for more reason than one. First, they are both part of fascinating programs, working to further their studies through incredible internships. If you aren’t reading their posts, you’re really missing out because they are detailing their experiences for you, the reader! Second, they are working, and therefore not in school, like me. That’s right, I’ve signed up for the dreaded spring and summer semesters where lengthy lectures fill sunny afternoons better fit for poolside than the classroom.

I am sure that in the long run, I’ll be happy with my decision to accelerate my school schedule and possibly graduate ahead of my anticipated date. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
For now though, it’s not so great. Come September all of my friends will be returning to class tan and refreshed, excited to learn again. I, on the other hand, am really feeling the toll of all of this work. When I return to campus in the fall I’ll be fried alright, but it won’t be because I sat in the sun for too long. Instead it will be because my brain never got a rest.

This raised some questions in my weary mind. Elementary, middle and high schools across the nation are contemplating a new year-round schedule, as they have been for some time. Sure this set-up would have a few week or longer vacations thrown into it, but gone will be the lazy summer days. Proponents of the new system say that students loose too much of the information they worked so hard to learn while they are on a three-month hiatus. While discussing this with some friends the other day they raised an interesting point by saying that we really aren’t preparing our kids for life after school where there is no extended summer vacation. Others, like me, say that there is much to be learned outside of the classroom – either at home or through internships such as Evan’s and Amanda’s or those offered by Experience.

So, now it’s your turn. Talk back. Give your opinion. Let me know what you think by answering the poll (top right), leaving a comment or both.