Adventures of Winter Break!

Hi world, Olivia here,

Imagine that it is finals season once again for the fall semester. After many nights where the library seems like a second home, where caffeine has become the drink of choice, and you strain to remember all the you have learned thus far in your classes, the thought of an entire month of complete and utter freedom seems like a dream come true. This need for freedom is certainly not a unique feeling. In fact, it seems as though winter break comes precisely when it is most needed, helping to relieve the stress of the final stretch of the semester.

While most all students look forward to the month of freedom that winter break brings, it is important to stay occupied and set goals for yourself. Though it may not seem like a long time, these four weeks can start to become quiet tedious without any plans. Especially after being away for three months at school, reconnecting with hometown friends and family is a great way to catch up and relax. Go to the local bookstore and choose one of those “just for fun” reads that seems impossible to do with the multitude of daily semester activities. Help your little brother study for his upcoming math test—not only will you get to spend time with him, but you get to brush up on that algebra you forgot you knew. Do the ordinary, the mundane—offer to drive to the grocery store for your mom and spend that extra five minutes choosing the bananas with absolutely no brown spots. Over break, I did all of these seemingly simple activities and more—it proved the best way for me to relax after a busy semester.

Of course, being the busybody that I tend to be (as most of my LVC Colleagues know!), my break did consist of quite a few adventures. One of these adventures was Otis Ridge Ski Camp, in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, where I was a counselor. That’s right. I spent my week on the mountain for about nine hours a day, teaching youngins how to glide down the mountain, pizza and French fry style, of course! I also tried my hand..er.. feet.. at snowboarding one day when a fellow counselor attempted to teach me! While it took a long while to even get down the bunny hill,  still felt like an accomplishment knowing that I had tried something out of my comfort zone.

Rebecca, my fellow counselor and I, getting ready to hit the slopes at ski camp!

Out of the cold mountains and into the hot, humid air—following ski camp, I decided to visit one of my good friends, Caiti, in Florida. Caiti is not only one of my friends here at UConn, but also my sorority sister. Her family was very welcoming and eager to get my acquainted with their home in the “sunshine state.” One evening, her father took us out on the family’s boat to cruise around the Miami shore. I got some “R & R” sitting in her backyard and soaking in that south Florida sun while reading Mercy by Jodi Picoult. Relaxation at its finest.

Good thing we had those few days of relaxation because Caiti and I decided to drive up to Orlando to spend a few days touring all of the Disney theme parks.  We were so excited we didn’t even think about sleeping or lounging around! Instead, we wanted to embrace our inner child and experience all the magic that these parks have to offer. Surprisingly, we were able to view most every performance and go on most every ride, including my favorite—the Teacups! It was excellent being able to spend quality time with not only Mickey and Minnie, but also one of my good friends from school!

Caiti and I enjoying the Florida sun!

My break was everything that I hoped it would be and more. I spent nights sitting by the fireplace with my family, my dog perched on my lap, playing intense poker tournaments.  spent days in New York City with my best friends from high school, wandering around and looking at the dazzling assortment of lights and colors. I traveled up North and down South, expanding my boundaries by not only snowboarding for the first time, but also by going on the Aerosmith Rock-and-Rollercoaster. All in all, my break was quite successful.

However successful my break proved to be, however, I was still excited to come back to UConn and see my friends, professors and coworkers once again. After a month of relaxation, I felt more than ready to get back into the swing of things, so to speak. Now that I am back to school, it feels like I never left—once again I am playing Apples to Apples in the dorm room with my hall mates. Once again I am vigorously taking notes in my classes. Once again I get to go to Tower’s pasta bar. Though break was excellent and it is important to appreciate all of the freedom it gives you, I am glad to be back at school! That’s all for now, folks!