Fall break occurred Oct. 12-15 and was a time for students and faculty to wind down after the first few months of the semester.  For many, it was nice to be able to see friends and family, plan activities, reunite with pets and rest. 

Some UC students shared how they spent their break and why they think fall break is a much needed reprieve.

Sophomore Emily Joss was able to fill her time with activities she would not have had the time to do if classes were in session.  

“I traveled a lot for softball, traveled to see my friends and went to a concert, ” Joss said. “I went to Brooklyn, New Jersey and drove back home to South Glens Falls, New York.”

She said having a fall break was nice because otherwise she would not be able to go home until Thanksgiving. She was also able to get ahead on class assignments and that helped make the week back to school less stressful.

“I was able to finish physics homework and help my dad with yard work,” Joss said.

Criminal justice major Natalie Devine was able to spend her birthday with her twin sister this fall break as well as hang-out  with some friends from home. Another student, business and marketing major Lizzy Giamartino visited her twin sister at Ithaca College and was able to attend her friend’s kick boxing fight.  

Fall break made it easy for students to distract their minds from the often grueling work load and provide fun activities and friends.

“Honestly, the break is good for my own mental sanity,” Devine said.

Giamartino echoed similar sentiments.

“I needed a break mentally, just to rest and not apply my mind to anything strenuous,” she said.  

Although many students make special plans for break, some just enjoy the time to relax at home.  Sophomore Bailee Riesterer spent her break purchasing the new iPhone 11, finishing a paper and just taking it easy.

Riesterer said she was in the market for a new phone and it has been a while since she upgraded from the iPhone 7.  If there was no fall break, she would of had to wait longer in order to go home and purchase it. 

“I like my new phone,” Riesterer said. “The camera quality is better and I had a bunch of time to play around with the settings during break.”

Even though the break conjures images of relaxation, Riesterer found it beneficial to finish a paper she had been working on for a class. She said that it was difficult to finish at school because she would always get distracted and procrastinate.  Also, with midterms approaching, she enjoyed having time to study and prepare.

“I was able to get everything done without having to worry about other responsibilities or class work,” she said.