Following the food comas from Thanksgiving and winter breaks, students are ushered into a new year, and shortly thereafter, a new semester. In an attempt to readjust to the academic lifestyle, The Outlook assessed the benefits and disadvantages accompanying the start of the spring semester.
The Outlook was decidedly split on favoring the transition back into school from winter or summer breaks. Some editors preferred returning to school after winter break, as one editor noted, “I find coming back from winter break much easier, since we didn’t have nearly as much time off and I’m coming back to the same room and the same people, which isn’t always true for fall semester.”
Another staffer said that returning after winter break is favorable because most of the big issues are already taken care of. He said, “I don’t feel as worried [returning after winter break]. I’m not running around going ‘Do I have all my books? Did I get all the eCampus notes? Did I remember to pay my tuition? Does this coat make me look pretentious?’ All that stuff’s been taken care of by January.”
On the other side of the spectrum, some editors appreciate the return to school after summer break as it leaves them feeling refreshed, refocused and ready to begin a new academic workload. One contributor said, “The weather is also much nicer in September which makes coming back to school easier.”
“After summer break you’re ready to get back into school mode, see your friends, move into your new dorms or apartments, etc. I’m personally way more excited to get back into the swing of things,” added another editor.
The Outlook does agree however, that it is important to reestablish a routine upon coming back to school, whether in the fall or spring semester. One editor aptly acknowledged that school routines become increasingly harder to maintain in the spring semester.
“My least favorite part of the spring semester is… the massive absenteeism when the weather warms. People don’t show up to class and then the professors drag out the content because they don’t feel like teaching to half of a roster. I understand wanting to enjoy the warmth and the beach and such, but it’s really unfair to those of us who want to learn as much as possible,” said one staffer.
Regardless of your preferences of seasonal vacation, there is one staple of returning to school after winter break: New Year’s resolutions. Whether you keep them yourself or merely root for friends and family who make the commitment, resolutions are an integral part of starting anew. The Outlook staff has established a few resolutions for 2015, particularly pertaining to Monmouth University.
Along with goals to raise and maintain a strong GPA and academic work ethic, some of The Outlook members are resolved to find internships, ideally sooner rather than later. Along with recurring goals of working out and eating healthier, another staffer said he wants to change his daily outlook on life (pun intended).
“It’s easy to become wrapped into your own world of troubles. So, in my last semester I’ve resolved to put my existence in perspective. Being at Monmouth, heck, even just living in the US, I have to keep in mind how fortunate I am and use that to help the lives of others.”
In an attempt to keep these resolutions, The Outlook insists that making changes such as waking up earlier to eat a good breakfast can be a positive influence. Additionally, “If you… remind yourself that you’re one semester closer to graduating you’ll stay focused and on track,” said one editor.
Lastly, one staff member mentioned, “You don’t always have to change entirely to maintain a New Year’s resolution. Making adjustments in smaller doses can be beneficial to completing a resolution in the long run.”