Reflecting on Summer Course Decisions: Lessons from a Challenging Semester
Embarking on academic pursuits requires careful consideration and self-awareness, especially during breaks. Recently, I navigated a complex decision that has left me questioning my choices and their impact on my education journey.
After a successful first year at university, where I achieved a commendable 3.7 GPA, I entered summer break feeling both accomplished and contemplative. With no immediate plans for a summer job—mainly due to having sufficient savings—I decided to enroll in two accelerated courses during May and June, intending to stay productive. These courses, compressed into just two months instead of the traditional four, were an intense challenge that pushed my limits.
The decision to take on these courses was driven by external motivations rather than genuine enthusiasm. I was exhausted by the end of April and would have preferred to take a well-deserved break. However, I hesitated, fearing judgment from my family and friends—particularly my older brother, who is currently thriving in an impressive internship. The pressure to appear “productive” overshadowed my own well-being, leading me to push through the workload despite feeling burnt out.
As the courses progressed, I found myself procrastinating and doing the bare minimum, unable to keep up with the rapid pace. The workload soon became overwhelming—I even had a moment of emotional distress, feeling completely overwhelmed by the demands. Now, I worry that this experience might adversely affect my GPA and academic standing.
Contemplating withdrawal crosses my mind, but the fear of disappointing my family and the potential consequences makes me hesitant. I am left pondering whether this approach was truly beneficial or if I should have prioritized my health and mental well-being over productivity metrics.
This experience has taught me the importance of listening to one’s limits and making decisions aligned with personal capacity rather than external expectations. Moving forward, I plan to reassess my priorities and seek a healthier balance between work and rest, understanding that academic success is not solely defined by the quantity of coursework completed but also by resilience and self-care.