Last week I found myself walking between two of my morning classes, and while dodging oncoming students, I happened to step in a snow bank. As my low-cut shoes filled up with snow, it hit me: Ever since I have been at this university there has been snow everywhere.
I can remember back to University 1 Orientation. It was a crisp fall day and the wind blowing a cool breeze. The weather seemed decent at the time, but after a month and a few days, we had snow on the ground and going outdoors each day was a task in and of itself.
Think about it for a minute. What did you read that influenced your decision to attend the University of Manitoba? I have noticed that most, if not all, of the pictures in the reference materials that had come into my possession before making my decision to attend the U of M were pictures of summer.
There were next-to-no depictions of winter; there was no snow, just sun. The university seemed like a summer paradise, students studying on the grass and enjoying the great outdoors in shorts and a T-shirt. I don’t know if you have noticed, but during the school year we have had only about a month of decently warm weather. Other than that, we have snow up to our shoulders and stuck in our shoes.
As a result of my disappointment, I have decided to embark on a mission that many students find unnecessary and wish to avoid, while other celebrate its convenience: summer session.
Yes, summer session. Let me tell you, this seems like the perfect opportunity for me to knock off some credit hours and possibly lighten my load for next year. As I have not yet registered for my exact courses, I don’t know how many I will take, but I do know that I will be attending courses throughout May and June.
For those of you who don’t understand why someone would attend summer school, allow me to break it down for you. Summer session at university is a little different than summer school at high school.
Although I can’t speak from personal experience, it is my understanding that the majority of high school students who had to attend summer school were required to do so. While there were always exceptions, the majority of students at summer school didn’t want to there. In the university version of summer session, some attendants may be forced to attend by parents or guardians, but the majority have chosen to do so for their own benefit. Not being forced to attend lightens the atmosphere, as students realize that they are paying their way and therefore have a desire to do well.
I will be attending approximately two classes a day from May through June. With roughly two-hour time slots each day, I will have my work cut out for me. I don’t know what courses I will take or which professors will be teaching, but I am sure I can benefit from additional learning and credit hours.
As this is my first year with the extended summer enjoyed by university students, I am willing to give up two months of them to continue school. I hope that throughout May and June I will be able to experience what I feel like I was promised when I chose to attend this post-secondary institution.
Bring on the green grass, blue skies and warm weather.
