ount down to winter break is the motivation that many students need to get over the holiday hump and finish out the semester’s laundry list of final projects, exams and presentations. The time of year when we can hit the snooze button continuously, marathon watch our favorite reality shows, and eat into the next year. These “activities” are both earned and deserved rewards for the toils of all the reading and writing that occupy students’ lives for the semester.

But for students that have the willpower to minimize some short-term lounging for a long-term reward – the winter break represents a unique opportunity to reach your academic and career goals faster. MATC is offering Winterim classes that run Dec. 10 – Jan. 10 for students seeking to maximize their break time by taking a four-year college parallel course in the areas of: art, English, math, natural science, psychology, sociology, history, speech, or early childhood education.

Many students choose to make a small sacrifice during this time to reap the rewards that include taking fewer spring semester credits, satisfying general education requirements, retaking a course for a better grade, or completing a transfer degree requirement to a four-year university.  The reasons to take a class over break are numerous and could very likely result in crossing the graduation finish line faster, reaching your career goals, and creating a better plan for work-life-school balance in the coming semesters.  Plus, students can utilize their spring semester financial aid funds to cover the costs.

While the list of gains truly outweighs any losses, students should prepare themselves for an intense study load during the little-over-a-month period.  An honest personal motivation and ability assessment must be completed based on success in past online courses, self-discipline and time availability over the break.  As a reminder, students taking an online course for the first time at MATC are required to complete Online Student Readiness (COMPUB-798).

Students can self-register for Winterim by logging into INFO Online and clicking the “Search for Winter Classes” link or register in-person on the first floor in the S-Building Registration office. A word to the wise:  Make sure you speak with your program advisor or a counselor to make sure that you take the best class to reach your goals.