Whether you go away to school or study locally, I’m sure you’ll agree when I say that winter break is the absolute best…besides summer of course. Everything is festive; people are in the Holliday spirit and you finally get a break from school and all of the hard work that goes along with it. There’s also something so incredibly special about reconnecting with your roots and the people you grew up with after being away and apart for so long. Being away from home makes you appreciate its worth and helps you realize just how big all those little things actually are.
Friends: These people have seen you at every awkward phase, yet they still claim you as one of their own. That’s love. I’m '#BLESSED' to say that I have had the same group of friends since basically kindergarten. Even though we’re hundreds of miles apart, nothing ever changes. The days leading up to that much needed break, are filled with the obvious stressors finals consume us with, but also pure happiness (in between the bouts of mental break downs). The bonds we share with each other are good for the soul and some quality time is exactly what we need after a long semester apart. No matter where we go or what we end up doing, the time we spend together is full of laughs and stories of our journeys. It feels so good to be back with your best friends and see how well they’re doing for themselves.
Food: I don’t know about you, but while I’m at school I question why I’m even wasting my calories. My most used phrases at school that pertain to food: “Is this edible?”, “What is that?”, and “Easy mac!”. Going home for break means delicious, edible, healthy, home cooked meals. Hey, South Carolina, if you’re reading this – putting “New York” in the title of your establishments doesn’t make it taste like New York – you’re not fooling anyone. Home, New York, food is where it’s at and I miss it everyday I don’t have it. Shout out to Deli Central, David’s, and all the delicious pizza places. I will never take you for granted again.
Nightlife: There’s college town nightlife, then there’s hometown nightlife and the difference between the two is about a million miles. It’s a true toss up for which one is more enjoyable, but they’re not easy to compare. When you live in a small town and go to a local bar, you’re bound to see old teachers, coaches, friend’s parents, and essentially attend a high school reunion. Our rehearsals in July of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” have led up to this break, and I wouldn’t want to lose my voice singing with anyone other than these people.
Family: My cousins are more like siblings and as we get older; we are all out making names for ourselves. We talk almost everyday but the holiday break allows us to see each other, reminisce on old times and get on our parents nerves together.
These are only a few things that make break so special and give value to where you come from. I hope you all have safe travels to where ever your home may be, and make the most of your time there.
