Workaholic

Boston, MA

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It has been about 3 weeks since I moved to my new dorm at college. And yes I am taking classes during the Summer. And yes I am crazy for doing so. I have been taking classes constantly since Fall 2021 semester. During my first semester in college, it was so stressful that I was probably losing hairs, not going to lie. COVID-19 was still spiking and I was still trying to familiarize myself in a class environment with hundreds of students. It was tough.

I was basically failing General Chemistry and doing worse in Calculus 1 and had absolute no idea how to get myself back on track. I just wanted to let other students who might be in my position know that you are not alone. We all get second and EVEN third chances. No class should make you lose confidence in your studies and prevent you from improving in your studies. Hence why I am taking classes over the Summer so that I could retake these classes later so that I can graduate in time. During my Spring semester, I was improving immensely. The Calculus 1 course that I withdrew from in Fall semester, I got a B in Spring semester. I guess you could say that I found a way to study after all these hardships. I was definitely someone who could not memorize or just obtain information from lectures. I had to consistently redo example and recitation problems provided by the TA. PLEASE make use of office hours and peer tutoring. They are a life changer. Anyway, yes, this grade boosted my confidence in my studies, which made me do more classes over the Summer.

"Why take classes over the Summer?"

"Are you not burning yourself out?"

In short, yes, I feel overworked, tired, and not even sure if I am happy in all honesty. But, I do NOT regret taking these classes over the Summer because I know taking these classes now means I will have it slightly better over the next semesters. The first half of my Summer term, it was not bad at all. There were still tons of students on campus who were also in my position and honestly it just felt like a regular semester. Over that Summer, I took Organic Chemistry 2 and Criminal Due Process. Boy, it was crazy, you would think Orgo 2 would be difficult. But, with a good professor and Anki flashcards, you will ace every test. Fast forwarding to present time, I am taking a Biology course alongside Gender, Crime, and Justice. Plot twist, they are both asynchronous. One would think, "bro if they're all online, how are you still stressed?" I thought so too, but nah. Seeing all these assignments due within one week is crazy to me. It is so overwhelming and honestly making me stressed out so much. But, I somehow manage to get all these assignments done before Friday hits and that is when my weekend begins. Then, as soon as Monday hits, we go through the whole being overwhelmed with assignments and quizzes routine and then my little 3-day weekend.

I am grateful for those 3-day weekends. On certain weekends, I would hang out with my friends, go to Chinatown, or even just lay in my bed watching dramas and horror gameplays. I find those days where I am happiest because I really feel like I get some alone time and not stress about quizzes all the time. That is why taking these classes over the Summer has its pros and cons. Sure, I miss my home and sure I miss my Mommy. But, I know getting all these academics out of the way would mean I would bring joy to myself and my family. Also, it is kinda fun acting like an adult, having to cook meals for yourself every day and grocery shopping. All of which are things I did not do before attending college.

Overall, this may seem very workaholic of me, but I actually enjoy taking these classes and somehow still balance my social and alone time :)

- Linda