November 29th Preview

For the third multi-week article, I chose a topic that is coming up very soon -- Thanksgiving break.

Kate Murphy

Multi-Week Writing Assignment #3

11-29-12

‘Tis the Season for No School

            The season of seeing your relatives, setting aside school and celebrating the gluttony of delicious food has arrived. Pumpkin pie, turkey, and carb-loaded stuffing surrounded by your family are a tradition many of us look forward to.

 Thanksgiving break is sometimes the first time the students return home after move-in day, especially if the students live multiple hours away from home. College can be a heavy burden, with late night study sessions or homesickness. Breaks allow students the time to visit family and friends, as well as take their stressed minds off ease for a few days.

            “I believe breaks are beneficial and well-deserved,” Jean Murphy, a parent of a College of St. Scholastica student said. “Everyone needs a break from their everyday routines, especially when they are away from their home; they need to reconnect with their family and friends no matter how long or short the stay may be.”

            Relaxation is important for college students during break. Sleeping in and coming back with a fresh mind can help students get that little extra push they need to get through the close of the semester.

“According to the American College Health Association Health Assessment which is completed by CSS students every other year,” Julie Zauba Fountaine, Wellness Coordinator at the Student Center for Health and Well-Being at CSS said, “91.1% of students at some point in the past 12 months have felt overwhelmed by all they had to do and 82.9% felt exhausted.”

            Rejuvenation and having fun are just a few ways to relax from the day-to-day grind.

            “The students get to be “non-students” as they go home,” Julie Kim, licensed professional clinical counselor at CSS said. “Have fun! Spend time regrouping, resting, eating home-cooked meals and reflecting.”
            Students agree that breaks allow them to do what they really want to do.

            “Everyone needs a break after going for so long,” Alisha Plunkett, sophomore at CSS said. “College requires a lot of work: labs, exams, homework. It’s hard to maintain everything. I’m excited for Thanksgiving break because of my birthday! I get to be with my family for almost a whole week. Usually it’s just ‘See ya’ and go.”

            The saying, “Home is where the heart is” could be applied to some students. Home is where you are surrounded by those who love you, which makes breaks from school even more special.

            “It’s always nice to be home,” Amanda Moore, junior at CSS said. “I don’t know how to describe it. The best part about being home is… being.”

            The grind of college can cause students to be overwhelmed. This burden makes the approaching Thanksgiving break a joyous occasion. It’s important to take the time to relax, reconnect with your friends and family, as well as indulge in the fattening holiday season.

“Home is where you come home to,” Murphy said. “You get to talk to family and friends, sleep in and be spoiled; to be surrounded by the ones they love and who love them.”