Opinion
J-term courses too good to be true for some students
February 12, 2016
I previously penned a column that basically expressed my deep love for the opportunities J-term has to offer...and then I dropped my J-term course.
In my original column, I only quoted a few students, and the overall emphasis was that taking an online course doesn’t mesh with their desire (or need) to make more money. I have been blessed with the ability to attend UWRF without the need for student loans, so I didn’t think that would be an issue for me. However, I soon learned I would rather work on a small Wisconsin dairy farm, milking cows every morning and night, than read a textbook and spend entirely too much time on my desire to receive an A. I enjoy learning and have loved my first semester of college but I felt that the time required to commit to a course was entirely too much for my enjoyment. And hey, the money was nice.
Students seeking greater educational opportunities might find J-term to be the opportunity to excel and advance, but they may also choose to take a bit more of a break. Schoolwork seems to be more fun with friends, so focus on crafting a schedule that will allow you to take more breaks. After all, everyone likes to make the good statement, “work smarter, not harder,” and by focusing on fulfilling all of your requirements to graduate in four years, or transfer with all your generals completed in two, it will certainly leave you more satisfied than being swamped with work during break when your friends are having more fun than you. And even if your friends aren’t having more fun than you, it’s worth reconsidering if the effort is worth the commitment.
Melanie Meyers is a student at UW-River Falls.