A Classroom Without Four Walls
If you have ever seen the classic Disney movie High School Musical 2, then you may recall that this specific movie in the series centers around the last day of school and the anticipation students feel as the clock ticks down to the final bell before summer break starts. The iconic yet wise theater teacher, Ms. Darbus, says, “You must remember, young thespians, learning is never seasonal. So, do allow the shimmering lights of summer to refresh and illuminate... your fertile young minds. The future greets you with its magic mirror, reflecting each golden moment, each emboldened choice."
While this may be a quote from a silly movie that shaped our childhoods, this piece of advice rings truer than ever for many students. Summer is a wonderful time for growth, exploration, and rekindling those creative juices. Whether you are spending the summer working retail in your hometown or interning at your dream company, both provide wonderful opportunities. There is so much to be learned throughout the summer that can allow us to return to school with incredible real-world experiences.
A fun analogy I like to think of is a toolbox. It always seems like dads have a random, maybe even rusty, toolbox sitting on a shelf in the garage. In my dad’s toolbox, there is a variety of tools that have been passed down from his dad, his father-in-law, random tools that his buddies have left behind, and that one specific tool that kind of just fixes everything. Throughout your summer, you should collect unique tools that you can take from others and stash away in your toolbox for any future experiences that may arise.
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with the president of the company that I am interning with. He shared that his company is so successful because all the people who work with him have taken the best tools from their previous experiences and brought them to the table to create a unique blend of abilities and skills. This ultimately forms an efficient, yet comprehensive business model that combines all the best systems from the field.
What is so cool about unique learning experiences that take place in the summer, as opposed to the more traditional ones during the school year, is there are so many opportunities to see real-world problems happen firsthand. This presents an opportunity to figure out ways to solve them using the skills we are taught at Auburn, and present solutions that are new and innovative.
All that to say is, soak it up. There will be very few times in life where you are presented with an opportunity such as to grow and ask as many questions as you need. The cool thing about being young is that many of the people surrounding you in the industry have been in your shoes and have a natural desire to help you succeed and reach your goals. Take advantage of that and take note of every tip, life lesson, and most importantly, the genuine connections you make along the way. Let your classroom extend beyond four traditional walls.
Our world is our greatest teacher.
