With fall semester of my freshman year coming to a close, I keep thinking about the activities/events that I most look forward to during winter break. With my family members continually calling me asking when I’ll come home, my excitement continues to build. So, without further ado, here are four things that I am most excited to do over winter break.

Eating Home Cooked Meals:

Being on a meal plan and continuously eating burgers, chicken strips, and pizza has really taken a toll on me, and eating home cooked meals will be a change for the better. I look forward to special Christmas foods like buenelos (a traditional Mexican dessert), and posole (a traditional Mexican soup with hominy), among a spread of other dishes/desserts. I mean, I’ve been on the “college student diet” for long enough, and after long nights of “studying”, it will be a much deserved break for both me and my pallet. A college student like myself can only handle so much pizza.

Spending Time with Family:

The holidays are about spending time with family, and with being away from them for an extended time (with occasional short visits), it will be a great time to reconnect and once again get accustomed to living at home. I look forward to the late nights gathered around the table, with my relatives telling stories of their childhoods and laughter echoing throughout the halls, and hanging out with my siblings and cousins, telling jokes, playing games, and just overall messing around. For me, just being around people I love along with gifts around a brightly lit Christmas tree brings an atmosphere that is unique in its own special way. I can’t wait for my family to be reunited again, and to be able to spread Christmas cheer.

Relaxing:

After my first semester of college, it will be nice to lay back and relax without having a test or paper looming over my head. Whether its catching up on sleep, playing video games (can’t wait to play Battlefield 1), or playing the piano, I’m super excited to have an excuse to be lazy since college is my full time job and winter break is essentially a paid vacation.

Being Done with School (for now):

Last but not least, I am ready to be done with school for the time being. After long study sessions (which I hope my transcript will reflect) and cramped schedules, I am willing to give it up for a little while. But, even with an extended break, I am ready to put “the pedal to the metal" during spring semester. My schedule for next semester looks “lit” and I’m excited to learn new things and further pushing myself to greater heights.

Just as I am excited to be home for the holidays, I hope that each and every student is as well. I am fortunate to be able to be home for such a long break, and I hope to create many memories that I can share with my friends once back on campus. I hope you all have a great winter break filled with fun, and awesome memories, and most of all stay safe, and happy holidays!