Many college students are stressed due to finals at this time of year, yet are eager to be reunited with family and friends back home.
Sophomore Jillian Smith advises spending time with family because you never know when it will be the last time you see them. Having an entire month off, she also emphasized the importance of remaining connected with your campus friends.
“Yes, it will be hard without seeing them every day, and your schedule will be thrown off,” Smith said, “but call them, and don’t forget that this break is temporary.”
With the winter break approaching, there is no chapel, FLEX events or spiritual life events. It is up to you if you want to maintain a connection with God while at home or when traveling. The holiday season is a time of fellowship and laughter, but most of all, it’s a celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth.
“Try to keep God within reach,” said Smith. “Chapel is no longer a required daily task, and it can be hard to keep that connection with him now that there’s no chapel or small groups where you used to talk about him. Just try your best to stay joyful, productive, and spiritually healthy.”
Smith also acknowledged how sometimes the holidays can bring sadness and grief for her and her friends, especially with the differences in routine. Senior Cora Pack emphasized that resting on break is essential to start the spring semester in the right way.
“After three months of consistent hard work, it is natural to need a long rest,” said Pack. “Embrace this time of well-deserved rest in order to come back refreshed and ready to tackle another semester.”
From her college experience, she learned it’s best to enjoy the community and activities you normally wouldn’t get to enjoy while at Asbury, especially things that breed joy.
“Whatever you personally enjoy and find refreshing, do it!” said Pack.
Freshman Morgan Flannery agreed that taking mental health days through watching Christmas movies and other relaxation techniques are “the best ways to embrace the break.” For her, one of those techniques includes reading, especially not textbooks.
“I recently developed a love for reading this summer but rarely have time for it during the semester,” Flannery said. “So, truly embrace the break and take advantage of the free time. I am going to focus on this hobby and more, and I recommend others to do the same!”
