There are many ways that students like to spend their breaks, but at the heart of any successful break are rest, reset and reconnection to what makes you who you are. Some students go home to spend time with family, some go on vacation, some go to work and some go to visit friends. Regardless of how students choose to spend their time away from school, they require a break from the intensity of academic life to recharge before continuing on with the next semester. The ability to choose how to spend time is what makes breaks so valuable.
Unlike the schedule that students follow in college, breaks allow them to fill their days with whatever they find most meaningful, whether that be sleeping, exploring or doing absolutely nothing. Life is vastly different when you’re on break compared to when you’re at Fordham. There is a constant routine when you’re at Fordham, dictated by class, work and social obligations. There is a sense of schedules and a lack of time. When you’re on break, there is a lack of structure, a sense of fluidity. You have control over your own time, which you do not when you’re at Fordham. Even small things, like food or the people you’re surrounded by, can start to change. Being at home, for instance, can mean being surrounded by warm, traditional food and being in comfortable environments.
On the other hand, being away from Fordham also makes you appreciate the everyday routine. One thing I miss the most is the convenience of being close to my friends. This is because, on campus, it is very easy to see people on a daily basis without having to plan. This is one thing that we tend to miss when we are no longer on campus. I especially miss Fordham when the weather is nice. Some small things, such as sitting at Eddies or taking a walk around campus, can help relieve tension.
Being away can also serve as a reminder of why I chose Fordham in the first place. The school provides a special environment because it is near New York City, but it also provides its own environment. Many people are not able to find that at home. It also helps me remind myself of the privilege that it is to be in an environment where I can be independent but also have access to so many things.
Break can alleviate homesickness in an unexpected way. Sometimes college can feel very overwhelming because of its routine nature. Being away can allow you to recharge emotionally so that you can return to school with a better state of mind.
This break, I used the time to travel to London and Paris. This was beneficial for me because I was able to experience new places and broaden my perspective beyond my daily life as a student. The excitement of the trip was something to look forward to during my stressful midterms. The experience was not only pleasant, but also beneficial. Sometimes, being too involved in school life can limit your perspective; taking a step away from it helps to reconnect with the world at large.
A worthwhile vacation is not only about doing something exciting, but also about finding time to recharge. This can include spending time with friends, re-engaging with hobbies or simply taking a break without feeling guilty. Spring break is unique to other academic hiatuses due to it falling at a time when students are exhausted from midterms. Due to its placement in the middle of a semester, spring break holds a sense of urgency, giving it high means for utilization. The most effective way to utilize time off is to find a balance between detachment and reconnection. It is not always possible to be physically detached from school, but emotional detachment is necessary.
A break is a time to be disconnected from academic pressures and focus on other aspects of life that are often neglected during the academic semester. These include relationships, individual interests and self-reflection. It is also a time to appreciate how far you have come throughout the semester and to recognize the efforts you have put into your work.
A break is ultimately important because it gives you a chance to gain some needed perspective. It gives you a chance to reflect on what you are passionate about and come back to campus with newfound motivation. Time off is important because, without it, you will find yourself stuck in a cycle of constant work. A break comes to interrupt this cycle, reminding you that there is more to life than work.
Mariam Ahmed, FCRH ’26, is a psychology major from Yonkers, New York.
