School is finally over for the week, and you can feel the excitement in the air. People are packing and friends are passing by, wishing you the best for this year’s spring break.
Many are going to the beach to park themselves on a towel in the sand, with their toes in the water and an icy cold drink in hand. Some might be going on a volunteer trip to help clean up a disaster zone or build houses, making use of their time off school to be good, philanthropic citizens. And then there’s you, going back to the old homestead for break to hang out with your family and friends.
There’s a cycle of emotions that most everyone goes through when they spend their break at home.
1. Sweet, sweet freedom
As you walk out of that last class knowing that the only thing standing between you and freedom is packing, you're really relieved that school is over and you get a full week off from the madness. No more assignments or exams to worry about (unless you're one of those poor souls whose professor decided spring break is still a time for work, I'm so sorry), and all of the time in the world to just relax and breathe.
2. The dread of the journey home
If you're like me, you don't live just 20 minutes off of campus. And if you do, just know that I envy you. Some of us have to drive or fly to get back to where we came from, and after awaiting break for so long, having to sit in the car or on a plane for hours just kind of kills the good vibes of break. But it's totally worth it when you get where you're going.
3. The straight up ecstasy of seeing your family/pet/friends
When your home comes into view, you just can't wipe the smile off of your face. Not only have you made it home, but you get to spend the next week relaxing and hanging out with your loved ones. In this moment, it seems like the most amazing thing to happen to you yet. You feel spoiled with your own shower, your own bed, and home-cooked meals everyday, and your pet follows you around like a second shadow begging for love. Can spring break last forever?
4. The sudden realization
Halfway through spring break and you suddenly remember that you actually have to go back to school at some point. You feel like a puppy mid-belly-rub and then all of a sudden you're a college student with responsibility creeping up on you. Just before you start to panic, however, you realize that you still have time to enjoy and make the most of break with your family and friends. So, do that.
5. The impeding boredom
You've eaten all the food, you've taken all the naps, you've relived all of the high school memories with your friends. Your parents are now driving you slightly insane, as you have been accustomed to complete and utter freedom and self-rule. You're just plain bored. Now what? How could something so sweet turn into something so meh? Before you realize it, [gasp] you've actually started missing school. You miss the busyness, your friends there, the freedom of being away from home.
6. The bittersweet goodbyes
Spring break is over, and you're packing up to return to school. It's bittersweet. You say your tearful, yet grateful, goodbyes to your parents and friends, thanking them for another awesome break and telling them you'll see them again soon. As you start your journey back, your sadness turns to excitement as you realize where you're heading back to and all that you've been missing. Because college is actually awesome, and it's your home away from home.
7. The return
You're back into the swing of things at school, and you're OK with it. Your friends tell their wild stories about Fort Lauderdale or uplifting tales of building houses in New Orleans. Some people who went home for break are jealous of the stories, but you aren't. Break was wonderful the way it was, and you already miss your family and friends. But, you are where you are, and you're going to make the most of it and do your best.
I hope your break is as amazing and relaxing as you ever dreamed it could be. And when it's time to return to the responsibilities and schoolwork, fear not.
Summer is right around the corner.
