This summer I had an incredible opportunity through Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. A group of thirty high school students from all over the country (and Canada) got to spend ten days backpacking in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, a week living on campus and studying theology, and nine days serving on a mission trip in Nicaragua through a program called the Compass Program. Not only was it an incredible experience, but after attending a music camp at St. Olaf last year, Girls State at Bethel University, and the Compass program at Gordon, I’ve realized the importance of college summer programs.

Gordon is my top choice for college, so the opportunity to live on campus for an extended period of time was extremely valuable. When I arrived at Gordon, I didn’t know anyone. It helped me realize what college will be like. I got to be whoever I wanted to be, because no one knew me, or even where Edina is. Not only did I get thrown out of my comfort zone as I will be when I go to school next fall, I got a wake-up call that not everyone lives in the same culture that I do. Little things like being made fun of for growing up playing “duck duck grey duck” and the absence of Kemps milk in the dining hall helped me realize that going to college will be really different than going to Edina High School.

Living on campus for about twelve days when we weren’t traveling was a great way to figure out if I liked the feel of the school. Being able to go on a run around the pond on campus, live in the dorms, eat meals at the dining hall, and hang out on the quad showed an extended glimpse at what college would be like there. Having to live independently from my parents (and do my own laundry) was also an important part of my time on campus.

Another great aspect of the Compass Program was that I got to spend ten days backpacking in the Adirondacks with a Gordon program called La Vida. For the duration of our trip, we were led by two Sherpa guides who were students at Gordon. Being able to see the type of students that go to Gordon, and to hear firsthand what it was like to go to school there was extremely valuable. These students were more honest than any tour guide would be about the ups and downs of college life at Gordon.

That being said, I do realize that going to college will be different than a month-long summer camp. While I was attending theology classes, I didn’t have homework. I didn’t have to study, or feel the stress of college level tests. I had a small group of thirty students to make friends with, and not thousands. Still, in the long run, I think different aspects from my month will help me when I go to college wherever I go, and it helped me discern if Gordon was truly a good fit for me.

So whether it’s music, sports, engineering, debate camp, or any other programs hosted at colleges and universities, I strongly urge every high school student to participate in one. Even if you’re not interested in the school, go for the experience. Make friends in an unfamiliar setting, live independently, eat cafeteria food. Hopefully it will make your transition to college just a bit easier, as I am hoping it does for me in fall 2014.