For current college students, you are always working at the highest level. From doing school work to working part-time, or even being involved in a club, having an opportunity to rest is something that college students wish more of during the semester. But something that students should always take advantage of is having time off while they have the opportunity. 

As a full-time college student with a busy class schedule, I find it challenging to give myself time off. But this weekend, I was so glad to be able to have time off with Thanksgiving break. I was able to not only spend time with my family but also just be home. I haven’t been able to go home much this semester due to my very busy class schedule, but having time off will allow you to recharge your mind and feel refreshed. 

I found being home was an important part of having time off. Being away from home as a college student is difficult for multiple reasons, but the main reason for me is that my daily routines are being changed. I would wake up on a normal day at home around 10 in the morning and go downstairs to make breakfast. While at college, I normally wake up at around 7- 8 in the morning and I would have to walk and get breakfast on campus. 

I generally feel sad the majority of the time when I’m not at home. One of the reasons is being surrounded by my loved ones and my neighbors is something that I miss every time that I’m not at home. It makes my life different in that I have to rely on myself rather than having people around me. 

According to Health Day, about 30% of all students and 70% of first-year students are more depressed due to homesickness. When I arrived at Rowan University as a transfer student, I felt the same way. However, as I got used to living on campus, I was able to get rid of that feeling. 

Something important to me while having time off was being able to sleep in. As someone who has a class at 8 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday, I don’t have the opportunity to get a lot of sleep at night. For college students, being able to sleep in while having time off should be one of the biggest advantages during this time. Sleeping in will improve not only your sleep schedule but will improve your mood in general. Additionally, sleeping in my own bed was a benefit of having time off. 

During this time off, I was able to reflect on what I have accomplished this semester. This semester, I became a beat writer for my school newspaper which was a goal of mine. I was able to work more games for the Rowan University Athletic Department. Meeting new people through new classes this semester has been great for me. Reflecting on the incredible memories that I have achieved is something that time off will offer for you. For the upcoming winter break, you should not only reflect on your accomplishments from this semester but appreciate time off when you have the opportunity.

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