If you haven’t heard about Short Term at Bates, then you NEED to know about it right now. Last week was the first week of Short Term! Short Term is arguably one of the best features of Bates College. Whereas some schools (like Colby…ugh) have “Jan Plan” where they take one class in the middle of the winter, we have Short Term, where we take one class beginning at the end of April and runs through the end of May. Students HAVE to take at two short terms, and generally take three, but many people find a way to stay for all four. Because I transferred, I am lucky enough to not have to worry about taking four short terms. This year, I am taking a class called “Literacy in the Community,” which is predominantly dedicated to tutoring local students three times a week. This month long semester is really just a great excuse to enjoy all of the amazing things that Bates has to offer other than its amazing (but also challenging) academics. The classes offered during Short Term are generally more unique and less scary and serious than classes offered during the semester. It is a great time to be able to take a class that you might not be able to take during the fall or winter semesters.

            Anyway, enough about classes; Short Term is also a time to wind down and spend time with your friends outside…hopefully. During this month the weather really starts to improve, and it is so nice to see everyone outside in bright and springy clothing. It is also a great time to explore Maine. For example, yesterday (on a Sunday) my friends and I (and many, many other students) went to watch Bates baseball beat Colby at the Sea Dog’s stadium in Portland. Afterwards, we continued our outing at the Sea Dog Brewery restaurant, which was delicious. The best part is that despite the fact that it was a Sunday, none of us had to worry about getting back to the library to study for a million tests because its Short Term!

            Who would not want to experience Short Term?! It is almost too exciting and fun to explain, and I am so happy that I get to partake in such a unique and rewarding academic schedule. Because Short Term is so much fun, and because there are so many things to do, I will indubitably write about it again in my blog posts.