Winter break is so much more than just a holiday celebration.

We've worked all semester to get where we're at. We have pulled all-nighters and then have woken up for every 8 A.M. (okay, well, mostly every one of them). We've scrambled to finish every 11:59 P.M. submission online. We've studied and survived finals, also another part of our lives.

I want all college students, no matter how old or young, to stop what they are doing and take a deep breath in. Now, let it go, you did it. No matter what has happened this past school year, and I'm not just talking about grades, know that you did your best and came out on the other side. College is no joke, and people tend to forget how stressful it can actually be.

This past semester and the previous one before at Rowan University has been tough. In recent events, many people have lost their family, friends, and classmates. Even if you didn't personally know the students who lost their lives, their stories and proximity have had an impact on you, one way or another.

In our personal lives, we have conquered not only the pressure of our studies but also life in general. It isn't an easy thing, going to school, working, and managing your social/mental/physical life. If you've done even HALF of this, congratulate yourself on making it out of whatever you were going through.

This winter break is not just about celebrating the holidays but also about relaxing, rejuvenating, and rejoicing. Relax because you deserve to. Take a bath, lay around, or reroot yourself. Rejuvenate and fill the dullness with excitement. Rejoice to be with your loved ones and to have seen another year because some do not get to.

You see, winter break isn't about the material things. It's about giving yourself a break to recognize your growth and begin again.