Thirteen weeks might sound like a lot when you initially sign up for the Citizens Academy, but everyone who has taken the course will tell you that they go by fast – almost too fast.

The running joke amongst attendees is that we no longer know what to do with our Thursday nights. For the last few months we've spent them throughout the township with White Lake's finest policemen and firefighters learning about how those departments work to serve us, the community.

I guess, for me, I will return to work and go back to attending school board meetings on Thursdays – but it won't be the same. I will miss my classmates, the banter between Chief Edward Harris and Sgt. Larry Sheldon and, most of all, showing up each Thursday night and learning something new.

The great thing about the Citizens Academy is that it's not just classroom time, it's a hands-on learning experience that gets you involved and gives you a taste of what it's like to work in White Lake as a policeman, firefighter, medical examiner, judge, attorney and more.

If you want to get involved in the next academy call Julia at (248) 698-4400, or stop by the police station.

If you're still unsure about the academy check out the following stories and get a taste of what it's like:

• Patch Viewfinder: Citizens Academy
• Academy Tackles Fire Hoses
• A Night of Destruction
• Patch Viewfinder: Oakland County Morgue
• Another Field Trip: Oakland County Airport
• Fun at the Gun Range

Farewell Citizens Academy Spring Class of 2011. It was a fun 13 weeks and I am glad I got to share it with you.