At this point, you’ve probably been home for Winter Break for at least a little while. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back-you made it halfway! Now you just have to weather moving into the new year, returning to school, and all those pesky questions about what you’re doing with your life, what you want to do, and the most dreaded question of all- “So, are you seeing anyone?”

If you’re like most college students, you find these questions at best irritating and at worst invasive. That’s completely normal. It’s also completely normal to tell your well-meaning friends and relatives that you simply don’t know what you’re going to do with your life right now. Freshmen year is the time to BEGIN thinking about what you want to do with your life, not to make concrete decisions and never change your mind ever again. Your relatives and friends understand that. They are most likely asking these questions as a touch-stone for hearing about your life and aren’t sure what else to ask you. If you find yourself in these conversations over and over again this holiday season, try to steer the conversation toward other interests of yours, such as a class you found interesting or a new friend you met in the dining hall. You are not required to talk about every little detail, but finding common ground keeps you from having the same conversation over and over again. Make sure to keep your family talking about themselves as well! Take the time to ask questions about events you may have missed while you were away at school.

Another thing to keep in mind while you’re home for winter break is to catch up with those high school classmates you might not have seen since you went your separate ways after graduation. Plan these meetings early; don’t wait until the last day before you have to go back to college to catch up with everyone. It may be a good idea to meet up with a few friends one-on-one instead of attempting to gather everyone together at one time, but do whatever works for you! This is your chance to catch up with old friends and find out what everyone has been doing. While it may seem like you’re up-to-date with everyone via Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, you may find you’ve missed out on a lot! We tend to only post the really good or really bad things on social media, but it’s those mundane in-between events that keep friendships alive!

One important thing to keep in mind this winter break as you’re catching up with all your old friends and family is that despite the seemingly short amount of time you’ve been away, people change, and that is a good thing! You certainly aren’t the same person you were when you began your freshmen year, and it’s likely that your friends and family aren’t either. Embrace these changes and take the time to get to know these new aspects of the people you love, and let them get to know the new you as well. Make the most of the time you have before you head back to a fantastic spring semester!

Easter is fast approaching and is usually a time when students head back home to continue with their families holiday tradition(s).  If students cannot make it home, this is a time when they will attempt to find a local church or attend service on campus (if one is available). If you have gotten away from your spiritual upbringing, now is a good time to get reacquainted.  If you are open to learning about new religions, this is a good time to get out and explore how different religions view the Easter holiday. Ask to go home with one of your classmates and explore their approach to religion.  Ask questions, try new things, and attempt to figure out what makes sense and provides comfort to you. Do not try to understand and solve the questions about life all in one sitting. Religion is a tough topic and people spend their entire lives searching for the answers to life. People migrate between religions, selecting concepts, and methodology that provides a sense of comfort and stability to their lives. There are a variety of religions, then there are a variety subcategories under each religion, then there are a variety of interpretations and ways to execute the vision.  So take your time and explore what you think works for your life and brings your peace.

Midterms are finishing up and it is time sit back and do nothing right? Wrong! Spring Break is a great time to recharge, but it also a great time to explore, serve, and learn.  Thoughtfully plan out your Spring Break, be intentional about how you choose to spend your time. You can accomplish so much of your to-do list or squander away time if not executed with a plan in mind.

Spring Break can be spent several different ways and you do not have to spend a lot of money to make Spring Break worthwhile. The most obvious Spring Break idea is to go on vacation to some exotic, sand-clad resort. This could result in a number of ways.  Spring Break for you will also include Spring Break for THOUSANDS of other college students, which means massive crowds, loud and obnoxious encounters with others, countless bad decisions, and money for travel. A better alternative is to go somewhere fairly local, within an hour or two that will take you out of your dorm room and allow you to see new sights.  You will still enjoy the “vacation like feel” and avoid the crowds. You may also want to consider staying local and acting like a tourist in your city or a neighboring city.  Again, you will enjoy being away while learning something new about your college town.  Research shows many graduates relocate to an area near their college after graduation.  Now is a good time for you to learn more about what could be your new home. You may want to also consider going on an Alternative Spring Break trip.  These trips are designed to give students a chance to travel during Spring Break, but also give back to deserving community by performing service projects.  Lastly, talk to your parents and organize a family vacation during your Spring Break.  This option, may be the most economical and cost you little to nothing.  Your family has missed not having you around the past 6-7 months and would love to spend time with you and see what you have been learning and doing since August (or at least Christmas, if you went home).

Regardless of how you spend your break, make a plan and make the time as useful as possible. A well planned and executed Spring Break can result in a lifetime of memories.  Below are a few more ideas to consider for your Spring Break planning:

  1. Change your room around.  A change in scenery would be nice for the remainder of the semester.
  2. Secure housing for next school year.  Moving off campus? Now is a good time to go explore your options, take tours, and sign a lease.  The good spaces are taken fast, so cease the moment while everyone is away.
  3. Read for fun. You probably do not do much of this anymore.  It has been all chapter this, article that. Get back to the novels, short stories, and series you love.
  4. Spring Clean!!!! Go through your clothes and shoes and donate anything you are not wearing and cannot fit. Also, CLEAN your entire place top to bottom, dusting, mopping, and giving the attention to areas you may have neglected. Do some laundry: clean bedding and linens, clean winter wardrobe and store away, and bring out your spring/summer wardrobe.
  5. Start working on your Final projects and papers.  The library and labs will be empty now is a great time to get a jump start.
  6. Start looking for a summer job. Now is a good time to go out into the community and see if anyone is looking for help.
  7. Volunteer.  Give back to your community or local church.
  8. Read chapters for school.  Another great way to get a head start in classes or a chance to catch up.
  9. Go to a concert.  Find your favorite band and travel to see their show.
  10. Start a Bucket-List.  There are several different versions: college list, a hometown list, or an overall adventure list.
  11. Work out.  Get into the fitness groove, while nothing else is competing for your attention.
  12. Work overtime. If you currently have a job, inquire about extra hours; pick up hours for others going on vacation.
  13. Visit your grandparents.  You probably have not called like you said you would, so now is the perfect time to go spend time with them.
  14. Go for a walk or a bike ride.  Just walk/ride, no destination in mind, learn something new about your community.
  15. Try something new.  It doesn’t matter what it is, just try it.  If you don’t like it great at least you tried it and know it wasn’t for you. It can be a food, musical, hairstyle, or new outfit.
  16. Go on an adventure. Try white water rafting, skydiving, or camping with friends.
  17. Plan a group activity.  Go bowling, skating, paintball shooting, or laser tag.
  18. Start a blog.  Whatever you like to do and enjoy, write about it.
  19.  Host a movie marathon.  Pick an actor/actress and watch all of their films.
  20. Netflix day.  Look through Netflix and find a new series to watch or catch up on a show you use to watch.
  21. Take a class for fun.  It can be yoga, art, dance, sewing, crafts, go to one drop-in class and see if you like it.
  22. Start packing.  The end of the semester will be here before you know it.  Pack items you know you will not need or use in the next month or so.
  23. Go on a special date.  Make it fun and well thought out. Give it a theme, make it a puzzle, or incorporate a scavenger hunt.
  24. Back-up your computer.  Now is a great time to save all of your work, pictures, and music.  For some reason computers tend to fail around Finals, when you need them most. If you ensure your computer is cleaned, delete unused data, and save your important information, you will be in a good place should your laptop crash later in the semester.
  25. Sleep.  You have probably not been getting a full 8 hours each night.  Use this time to sleep and enjoy not having to get up and go to class.

Yes; it is hard to believe it is one week until Thanksgiving.  For some students this is the first time you will return home since leaving in August/September. Some of may have new body art, new vocabulary, or even a new outlook on life.  Your family will remember who you were when you left and you have to be prepared that they may not be prepared for the new version of you.  Your parents may have a hard time adjusting to your new found freedom, your difference of opinions, or even your desire to go out and catch up with your high school friends.  Your friends may not understand why your relationship has changed, your desire to try different things, or new habits you may have developed.  The same thing applies to your siblings and significant others.

Readjusting to home life can be a sensitive subject. Everyone will have their own agenda.  You will want to relax, see old friends, and enjoy your break from school.  Your parents and siblings will want to make up for the time you have been gone. Your friends will want to catch up and swap stories from the last few months.  Be aware of the expectations that may be placed on you and attempt to meet all of the demands. Also communicate your expectations for your time home.  Letting your family know that you have plans will help reduce or eliminate frustration when expectations are not met.

Going home will be a much needed break, but make sure you understand what your family wants to reconnect with you and hear about your experiences as a college student.  Be prepared to share stories, know why you feel the way you feel, and be ready to share your knowledge. Going home will be fun and a much needed break.