Juggling a demanding course load has become second nature for me, as my academic journey has been shaped by the challenge of taking concurrent courses in addition to my regular classes at Galileo. Having taken 8 so far—each intersecting multiple major categories—I’ve learned not just to survive, but to succeed under pressure, developing strategies to stay organized, focused, and resilient in the face of academic challenges.
I first began taking concurrent courses the summer before my sophomore year. My college mentor recommended it to me, and I decided to give it a try by enrolling in Ethnic Studies 1. I enjoyed the class, so much so that after taking it, I realized I could handle more. By my sophomore year, I started taking multiple classes at once.
By the time I was in my sophomore year, I had already embraced a challenging combination of high school honors courses and college-level coursework, including Public Health, Introduction to Administrative Justice, and more. Balancing these courses with AP World History, Chemistry Honors, and Ethnic Studies Honors was not easy. I remember submitting my 10-page assignment on the Constitution while also studying for my Unit 6 MCQ for AP World. At times, I felt like I was living in a constant whirlwind of assignments, deadlines, and exams.
But in the midst of mental blocks and pressure, I discovered something powerful: how to thrive under pressure. The experience pushed me to develop study tactics that worked—things like organizing tasks on a calendar, breaking up study sessions into smaller chunks, and prioritizing mental health.
Additionally, there were the little things that helped soothe me when studying like sipping black tea, listening to SZA during study sessions, or chatting with classmates who were on a similar path. These small discoveries became my anchors, helping me to power through the toughest days.
Through these classes, I gained insight into the roles people play in the world, as well as valuable experience and knowledge. It also provided me with a great introduction to what I can expect in college and how higher education functions. Looking back, despite the sleepless nights and the horror when I realized not all my college credits would transfer, I am still content with what I’ve accomplished so far and happy with how much I’ve learned and grown.
In the future, I hope to take even more college classes, particularly ones that align with my potential major. For example, I’m thinking about taking physics or multivariable calculus next year or during the summer, as I’m currently enrolled in AP Calculus BC. I’m also interested in taking more classes related to History or English. Lastly, if you or someone you know is considering a concurrent enrollment class but feels hesitant, I encourage you to just go for it. Concurrent enrollment is a unique experience for everyone, but trust me—you will enjoy it, and it will be worth it.
