At nearly any other point in my life, in the month of June, I would be on break from school and starting one of my summer camp jobs. This summer, however, I’ve been working full time and also going to grad school. Here are some of the things I’ve learned, for the “What I Did on My Summer Vacation” essay I will never have to write:
- Your worst classes will net you your closest friends. There is nothing quite like bitching about a class, and your blowhard professor, as a social lubricant.
- Pack snacks. For serious. Especially if your class meets from 11:15-1:20.
- After riding the 1 train up- and down-town, in the middle of the summer, WASH YOUR HANDS. Them poles are gross.
- When you have a class that gets out at 9 p.m. and a 40 minute commute, you won’t get home until 10:30.
- Nothing in my neighborhood is open at 10:30.
- Dress in layers. Half of your classrooms will be boiling, the other half will be slightly less boiling and your office will be an icebox.
- Do your reading on the uptown train, but bring a copy of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire for the downtown train. After two hours of Middle East politics, you need some lighthearted commentary on magical racism and enslaved races.
- Everything is related to Doctor Who.
- Not quite as much as you would expect is related to the West Wing.
- All-nighters are a really bad idea if you have to be bright-eyed and bushytailed at work at 9 a.m. the next morning. If all-nighters are necessary, make sure the guy at the donut shop near your building knows and pities you.
4 replies on “What I Learned Over My Summer Vacation”
Dressing in layers is critical in the summer. Also, the hot summer air feels kind of good (at first) after being in a cold office all day. I’ve even thought about bringing footwear — I love sandals, but frostbite on my toes in July in not good.
Good to see that Persephone is dedicated to profound and meaningful articles.
Pack snacks is close to the top of my life rules :)
Doctor Who is everything.