<p>I need your help, please. I'm trying to decide what I want to do this summer. I posted in the summer programs thread but didn't get any responses, so I decided to try the parent forum because I really trust the advice of the parents who post on this thread. :)
I've narrowed my two choices down between the Summer Pre-College Program at Brown and a "teen trip" to Alaska. I was really set on going to Brown, but it took my teacher over 20 school days to write my recommendation, and after I submitted my application I kind of lost my enthusiasm. I've been accepted into the program, and I would go for two weeks and take the class about Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.
Recently I was reminded of this company that takes teens on adventure (hiking/rafting/kayaking) trips in different states and countries. I met the founder of the company a few years ago at a cooking class, and I remembered the company and decided to look into it. It's 3 weeks of hiking and doing outdoorsy stuff and just having fun. I've always wanted to go to Alaska and it looks amazing. I'm not really a nature-y person but I want something completely out of the box.
I know neither of these experiences have much "prestige" associated with them, and I'm not doing it just to add to my college application. I honestly can't decide between the two. I love the fact that you get an evaluation from the professor that teaches your class at Brown, and I'm interested in Nazi Germany, but I'm not planning to apply to Brown for college and it's expensive considering that it only lasts 2 weeks. On the other hand, I've always wanted to go to Alaska, but I have to apply to the program and don't know if 21 days in the backcountry of Alaska would be easy for a city girl like me. ;)
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me. I really appreciate it!</p>
<p>If it were me I’d probably go to Alaska. I think it’s nice to take a break from academics and I’d love to see Alaska, one of the half dozen states I haven’t been to yet.</p>
<p>I suggest taking the trip because it would be much more of a stretch for you, allowing you to find out more about yourself and the world.</p>
<p>The other sounds too much like what you do 9 months a year. If you’re interested in Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, you can learn about that on your own or in a college course.</p>
<p>Thanks very much for your help mathmom and Northstarmom! I really appreciate it!</p>
<p>the alaska trip will teach you a lot about yourself and you can amaze youself with what you can actually do when you are out of your comfort zone.
you have a long time to learn about history and can do that online/from books/even at cc courses when you are a senior citizen…
but alaska…when you have no ties (house/job/kids)… what a wonderful time!</p>