The mid-semester break at Etown may have only lasted a few days, but for many students, it was the breath of fresh air they needed. After weeks of balancing coursework, extracurriculars and campus life, the pause offered time to reset and to prepare for the challenges of the second half of the semester.
For Maureen Miller, a first-year psychology major, the break came at just the right time. The transition from high school to college had been exciting but emotionally taxing. “I didn’t realize how much I missed home until I actually got there,” Miller said. “I love being on campus, but going home gave me the chance to recharge and just be around my family again.”
Miller, like many first years, admitted that adjusting to college life has had its ups and downs. “The first half of the semester was a learning curve figuring out time management, making new friends, and being away from home for the first time,” she said. “But after the break, I feel more grounded and ready to take on the rest of the semester.”
For upperclassmen, the pause carried a different kind of weight. Seniors are not only managing coursework but also facing the reality that their time at Etown is drawing to a close.
Sadhiya Kubbura Noorulzaman, a senior biology pre-med major, said the brief break was crucial for reflection and mental reset. “The first half of the semester was very demanding, especially balancing research and graduate school applications,” she said. “That little break gave me a chance to breathe, catch up on sleep, and remember why I started this journey in the first place.”
Noorulzaman noted that stepping away from the academic pressure, even for a short time, helps her return to campus with a clearer mind. “It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and expectations,” she said. “But taking a few days to slow down helped me reset my focus and come back stronger.”
For Mildred Nwachukwu-Innocent, a senior computer science major, the break offered a rare opportunity for balance. “I used the time to unplug from screens for once,” she said with a laugh. “It’s ironic, but as a computer science student, I’m constantly surrounded by technology, coding, projects and data. So, I spent my break outside, just walking and relaxing without thinking about algorithms.”
Nwachukwu-Innocent added that while she values the academic rigor at Etown, maintaining mental health is just as important. “Rest is part of productivity,” she said. “I’ve learned that taking care of yourself makes you a better student and a happier person.”
For many seniors, the break also served as a moment of nostalgia. With graduation approaching, this semester carries both excitement and a sense of finality. Kyla Jackson, a senior social work major, said she used the time away to reflect on how far she has come.
“The break reminded me that this is my last fall semester here,” Jackson said. “I spent a lot of time thinking about the people I’ve met and the experiences that shaped me. It’s bittersweet, but it also motivates me to finish strong.”
Jackson emphasized the importance of self care, especially for students nearing graduation. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to plan your future while staying present in your classes,” she said. “That short pause helped me find perspective to appreciate where I am now instead of just worrying about what’s next.”
For first years like Miller, the semester’s second act brings opportunity and excitement. For seniors like Noorulzaman, Nwachukwu-Innocent and Jackson, it’s a final stretch. One marked by gratitude, purpose and a renewed sense of balance.
