During this time of year, as the earliest flurries of snow begin swirling through the crisp winter air, college students across the country start anticipating the upcoming Thanksgiving break. At Keene State, the holiday allows for time off from classes as students embark on journeys away from their school schedules and residence halls. Several students across campus shared how they plan to spend the time off, offering diverse answers that shine a light on the many ways those in college take advantage of the holiday.
Time for Family
Thanksgiving for most conjures an image of family around the dinner table– the steam of warm, homemade dishes and holiday lights illuminating the smiles in homes as people bond with their loved ones. Many students at Keene State said they plan to enjoy their days with their families during Thanksgiving break.
“My plans for break are to go home and spend time with my family,” first-year Cameron Reardon said. His answer echoed in many other students’ responses.
“I’m going home to see my family– specifically I’ll be visiting family in another state,” said junior Fiori Mitchell.
“I’ll be seeing my whole family over the break,” sophomore Jakob Noe said when asked what his break plans were during lunch hours in the Zorn Dining Commons. “I haven’t seen a lot of them in about two years, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Noe’s tablemate, sophomore Emma Schaub, also said her break plans involve family. “My whole extended family is coming over, so that will soak up most of my time. It’s going to be pretty hectic.”
Time for Relationships
Family, for many, isn’t just defined by blood. The time people spend with the other meaningful relationships in their lives can also constitute family time. Some students at Keene State said they look forward to spending the holiday with their significant other, such as senior Amelia Clement.
“I’ll be going to Ipswich over the Holiday with my boyfriend,” Clement said. “We’ll be spending time with family and enjoying each other’s company.”
Time for the Team
While rest and relaxation are on most people’s Thanksgiving break agenda, others have obligations to activities such as sports. First-year Zak Chouinardi plays club ice hockey at Keene State, and will be spending the holiday on the ice with his teammates.
“I’ll be going to Boston with the team over break. We’ll be spending a lot of time with each other there,” Chouinardi said.
Time for Self-Care
Between activities, family and relationships, Thanksgiving– like most holidays– involves devoting lots of time to obligations for most. One student pointed out how the break should not only be used to prioritize events and others, but also used for self-care. Sophomore Myleigh Martin said that while she plans to spend the break with family, she also plans to spend time with herself.
“I’m excited to see my family, but I’m also excited to rest and recharge,” Martin said. “School is always busy and I appreciate the break as time to care for myself and relax away from all of the stress.”
While plans may differ slightly or drastically between each student on campus, Thanksgiving break offers time off from school for students to use however they see fit in their personal schedule. Owls, flee the nest!
Serena Taylor can be reached at
staylor@kscequinox.com
