In high school, I envied college students. While I had a measly one, maybe one-and-a-half, week winter break, they got to enjoy one glorious month of relaxation. I think being blessed with that break has started to make me greedy, because I’ve begun to realize how much our Thanksgiving break pales in comparison. Why is Thanksgiving just a few short days off?
Since starting college I’ve grown to worship my free time more than I ever have. It feels like there’s always something waiting on my to-do list. Daylight savings time has only made our days more exhausting. After finishing up my classes, clubs, and job, it’s pitch dark outside. At five P.M! It feels like starting homework at night, and the urge to take a well deserved nap instead only grows stronger.
Also, after hours of studying it feels like I need a week of relaxation to get back in the zone. The day the water main broke was practically a holiday for me. If you don’t remember, all classes after 10 were canceled. I, unfortunately, had a 9:30 class, and made the hour-long journey to attend that one class. Still, I celebrated that day. I left at 11 and enjoyed the rest of my classes on Zoom while sitting in the train and sipping on a winter melon tea from Kung Fu Tea. After the break is over, it’s December and finals season. A few short days is definitely not enough to prepare for the work ahead of us.
Three extra days of no school is simply not enough for me at this point. Not to mention, most of us spend our breaks freaking out about the work we need to do, so it doesn’t feel very relaxing. As a commuter, I’m glad I get to maximize my time at home. But for people living out of state, the break feels even shorter. Two of the days on break are suddenly taken over by traveling from and to Stevens. Most of my friends go to college out-of-state, and making plans for friendsgiving is impossible when accounting for travel and plans we already have. Some of my friends aren’t even attempting to come home over the break. Isn’t the whole purpose of Thanksgiving to celebrate family and friends…
Calling it a break almost feels offensive. This is an extended weekend at best. Most people traveling far are probably going to end up skipping their classes anyway. We might as well add a few extra days to our break and enjoy a moment of relaxation with the people we love.
