By Elijah Mckenzie
Many University of Louisville students look forward to that time of year after the grueling fall semester; after working countless hours, studying exhaustively and hoping they’re sane enough for finals, the holidays beckon for a taste of sweet freedom.
But some students can find it difficult to rip themselves away from the relaxation of the holiday break and facing the laborious semester ahead of them.
Throwing oneself back into the demands of college life is usually easier said than done, but no task is impossible with a bit of planning and discipline.
Since sleeping in late is perhaps one of the most valuable perks of a holiday break, it may feel almost natural to continue such routines upon entering the new term.
However, students who wish to organize their steps in the pathways of success should begin early.
“Give yourself about a week of setting the clock and waking up earlier again,” said freshman Valerie Page. “Be sure to get back into good sleeping habits.”
Harvie Walton, a freshman elementary education major, developed a technique to help her re-adjust to the college life.
“I got back to school a couple of days early. I printed out my schedule and walked around campus to find all of my classes,” Harvie said. “Being back in the buildings helped to snap my mind and body back into shape.”
Returning freshmen may find such methods of acclimation useful, especially after the festivities and travels associated with the holidays.
However, for those who enjoy the return to an academic environment, U of L can be seen as a warm welcome home.
Elizabeth Haywood, a communication professor and graduate student, stated that the collegiate setting is her best element. “The two passions in my life are teaching and learning.”
Many students as well as professors seem to agree that the holidays provide a nice break from the monotony of studies, grades and homework.
“It’s nice to decompress during the break,” Haywood said. She also reiterated the need to gradually set the clock back when returning to school, echoing the general opinion of most undergraduates.
“I try to re-adjust my sleeping schedule and I prepare the syllabi for my classes ahead of time.” said Haywood.
But despite all the planning and preparation students and faculty try to complete, when the new term begins, it all comes down to willpower.
Carl Williams, a Stevenson Hall RA and graduating senior, said that little breaks are nice, but it is imperative to put in the extra effort when school time returns.
“It’s realizing when you have to work, you have to work.” Williams said.
The mental escape that accompanies the winter break is highly beneficial to those feeling frazzled and on the edge of insanity.
But to the unprepared, it may feel like a comforting temptation to carry on the laziness.
“Make a schedule of your weeks, and in the free time, do whatever homework you can,” said Eric Mitro, a sophomore CIS major. “It’s much easier to stay ahead than it is to catch up.”
It appears that most students would agree that when the new semester rolls along, the “little breaks” shouldn’t distract us from the importance of school and the preparation, determination and focus needed to succeed.
With that knowledge increasingly prevalent among the campus community, success should be more attainable in 2009.
