With summer break just around the corner, many Keene State College students say they are preparing for their final weeks of the semester.
Students say they came back from spring break looking to finish strong, have fun and get ready for the summer ahead.
Junior Julie Flynn said she returned from her spring break trip to Cancun and is ready to get back into the swing of things.
Flynn said, “Spring break was an awesome time and it was nice having school off but now I need to turn my focus back to school.”
She continued, “It’s always hard in the spring because when it’s sunny out I don’t like spending my days in the library.”
“I always feel crammed with work around this time because teachers make so many assignments due the week after spring break and I still need to get back into the swing of things,” Flynn stated.
Flynn also talked about spring weekend.
“The spring concert is always something I like to attend in the semester and I really can’t wait to go see Big Sean,” she said.
“He’s one of my favorite rappers and I can’t believe [Social] Activity Counsel was actually able to get him at our school,” she said.
As for spring cleaning, Flynn said she is looking forward to being able to open her windows and get fresh air into her apartment, but said she isn’t too worried about packing up her things.
“I’m not really focused on moving out,” Flynn said.
“I’m in the same house next year and will probably keep most my stuff at school and come up for visits on the weekends,” she explained.
She continued, “I work at home during the summer but spend a lot of time with my friends in Keene.”
Some seniors say they are viewing these final weeks a little differently than Flynn is, such as senior Caitlin Lehman.
“This is a sad time for us,” she said.
“Our entire college career is coming to a close and we don’t really know what’s going to happen next,” Lehman said.
For now, Lehman said she is trying to focus on the time she still has at KSC, but is also looking forward to the future.
“I always have trouble focusing on school in the spring because there’s so many fun things to do in Keene during this time of year,” Lehman admitted.
“Plus, knowing it’s my last few weeks is only going to make it tougher to focus on classes,” Lehman said.
However, Lehman said she wants to finish her college career strong and is going to try her hardest to stay focused on her classes while still making time to see friends.
Lehman also talked about the months ahead.
“The futures kind of a mystery for me right now,” she said.
“I’m not about to bring my things home because I haven’t accepted the fact that it’s almost time to leave,” Lehman admitted.
“[KSC] has become my home over the last four years,” Lehman said.
Lehman said it is hard to come to terms with the fact that she will not be returning in the fall.
Senior Linnea Henry said she has similar feelings about leaving KSC, and is also trying to stay focused on her school work.
“I really just want to finish school strong and leave on a great academic note, but it’s so hard knowing that it [has] come to our final weeks living with our best friends,” Henry said.
“As a nursing major I have some big decisions to make, like where I want to get my nursing license and where I’m going to live,” she explained.
“It can be overwhelming at times,” Henry stated.
Henry said she plans to balance her academics and friends and leave school with great memories.
She said, “I’m so excited for these next six weeks, as much as I am sad. I can’t wait to make these the best ones yet.”
“I plan to get all my homework done during the week so I can spend my weekends doing all the fun things Keene has to offer, like swimming at Dort Road and Goose Pond. Those are my favorite spots when the weather gets warmer,” Henry explained.
The warmer weather may be coming but all three students said they plan to manage their fun and academics and finish the semester on a strong note..
Jess Byrne can be contacted at jbyrne@kscequinox.com
