PUBLISHED: 11-24-08

Editor’s Note

Give us a break, Columbia!

As I look around at the students in my classes, one thing is obvious: Everyone looks absolutely exhausted. Many frequently have trouble staying awake in class, not because the class is boring, but just because they’re working their butts off at their jobs and with classwork just to keep their heads above water. Everyone was lively and motivated at the beginning of the semester, but now, more than 12 weeks into the dreaded fall semester without any sort of break, the wear and tear on our bodies and minds is beginning to show.

Fall semester always seems to be a major downer for most of the students I’ve met in the past few years at Columbia. Although we get the advantage of starting classes a little bit later than most colleges do, we also get the shaft on some much-needed break time in the middle of the semester. It’s hard enough readjusting to classes in September after a glorious three-month summer break, so waiting more than 12 weeks for a break-a pathetic two-day break, nonetheless-is a bit ridiculous.

Many colleges have two breaks in the fall semester: a “fall break,” usually about four days sometime in early or mid-October, and Thanksgiving Break, which is usually anywhere from three days to a full week off from classes. It’s important to consider that Columbia begins classes later than most of these colleges that offer a Fall Break, so as the calendar currently stands, it probably wouldn’t work out.

But two days off for Thanksgiving? What gives, Columbia? It is completely pointless for those of us who are from thousands of miles away-a lot of Columbia students are from out-of-state-to try to make it home in time for the big turkey day, especially if we have a class on Wednesdays. Also, it’s three weeks away from the last week of classes. By the time the break rolls around, it’s much too late. Most of us are already mentally checked out and on the verge of giving up.

In the spring semester, spring break hits at the most appropriate time, about 8 weeks into the semester (that’s just over the halfway point). It feels like a gift from the gods when homework starts to become unbearable, and all we want is some time to reboot and catch up on some homework. And, in my case, I feel much more energized and refreshed when I return to classes. For some reason, I always seem to do much better in the grades department in the spring semester (interesting, eh?).

Taking a full course load is difficult enough and can become draining on our bodies and minds, as we lose much-needed sleep, are too busy to eat or just feel mentally depleted from all of the coursework. I’ve found that the best remedy for when you’re feeling down like this is to catch up on some rest and also to spend some quality time with friends and family. For the third year in a row, I, like many students, won’t be able to see my family over Thanksgiving, as it would be pointless to spend $400 to catch a red-eye flight home in the middle of the night Wednesday for a two or three-day trip.

Besides our necessity for some rest and reboot during the fall semester, I’m sure Columbia faculty could certainly use a break at a more appropriate time in the semester. With all of the complaining we students do throughout the semester and all of the late papers we turn in all at once, they definitely deserve some rest, too.

Even if you can’t be with your family for Thanksgiving, all is not lost. As I’m now a pro at being alone during the holiday, I would strongly suggest spending the day with some friends, cooking together, having a few drinks (if you’re legal, of course), maybe going to the Thanksgiving Day Parade and relaxing together. Watch some movies, play a card game, but definitely try not to be alone the entire break. I tried that once, and it was possibly the most depressing thing I’ve ever done.

Or, if you’re really exhausted from this neverending semester, like I currently am, consider just sleeping through the entire break. Yes, 96 hours of straight sleep, with occasional breaks for snacks, could help you refuel a bit for the final few weeks of the semester to come, which will certainly be full of cramming for finals.

For next fall, Columbia administrators should consider adding a short Fall Break into the schedule, and at least letting students have the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off. It’s understandable that this might change the date for when classes begin or end during the fall semester, but I think most students are in agreement: Do whatever has to be done in order to give us a decent break in the fall.

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