The almost month long winter break is right around the corner and some students are already planning outings with friends back home.  The break is a time to relax and take your mind of papers and exams.  Still as a student I believe it is important to keep our minds sharp over the break. It’s like that commercial about kids losing the things they learned in school over summer break, even though this isn’t summer break it is possible to forget about school quick. Who wants to think about school when your building snow men or opening presents? No one of course. I’m not suggesting that we write papers and read text books during time off I just think little effort should be made to keep our minds thinking.

Some good ideas to keep our brains used to learning and thinking are reading, writing in a journal, and checking our email. Each of these task shouldn’t seem like much but they may help keep you in a bit of a student mind set. Reading should always be done no matter the time of the year. Only by reading can we become better writers, recognizing new words and helping us to understand concepts. You don’t have to read a news article but even a personal interest book on the topic of your choice is fine. I have found by reading more I have a lot to talk about with someone new I meet. When I return to school I can ask a new classmate if they have read any good books lately or discuss concepts of a book my professor has read. Next, I suggest writing in a journal of some sort. Even a live blog is fine as long as you are expressing yourself and writing down record of your daily life. You can become a better writer by practicing writing. Even a few sentences a day about a funny joke  you heard or what you did for Christmas will keep you writing. Writing for one self and writing a term paper are very different but both are writing indeed. Who knows you might inspire a thesis for a choice paper to write for class. Last I think getting into the habit of checking our email is essential to college life. So much important messages are sent about school or in reference to our classes. Even over break we might be sent information about returning or new class changes. It’s fine to not check it every second of the hour but it should be checked at least once a week. Most likely the school isn’t going to call you if they change any policies, you will get an email first. Don’t worry I do not think the school can kill your inbox over the break, that would not be very merry of them.

I hope this advice finds you all stress free in preparation to go home and have fun. Have a great break and remember your still a student come January.

Peace, Love and Good Books