In the last calendar year, it’s safe to say life hasn’t been normal. This spring semester, it’s no different at the University.

Last fall, the University announced there would be no break during the spring semester. While the time in which it would have happened has long passed, it still has left a lasting impression.

University students needed a spring break. And now students are paying for it.

With no break, many students are staying on campus. Their schedule doesn’t allow them to go home at all. Despite three non-instructional days throughout the semester created by the University, it still doesn’t cut it.

Students need a week-long break to forget about school for a while. It’s during this time they can focus on their hobbies, spend time with friends and family, and realistically, relax without worrying about the non-stop focus on school.

In years past, students come back from break refreshed and ready to complete the second half of the semester. However, this year the whole semester runs together like a continuous loop with no end in sight. There’s no break to stop and smell the roses.

The absence of a spring break has punctured students mentally. Many friends of mine and others at the University are struggling to keep it together. Our minds are as fuzzy as a cotton ball. School kicks our behind so much we don’t have the motivation to do anything at the end of the day. Sometimes, the highlight of our day is spending time with one another or merely getting tested.

We needed a spring break this semester. Yes, we did have the longest stay-at-home vacation last year, but it was a different story then. This is a fresh semester with new courses and obstacles. We deserve a break from it all.

Hopefully, this won’t happen again. If the past year has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. It’s just the way of life now.

Noah is a junior in Media.

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