By Mackenzie Prince
Thanksgiving break begins Wednesday, Nov. 27 for University of Maryland students, staff and faculty. This will be the university’s second academic break of the semester, following Labor Day earlier in the term.
Many UMD students are looking forward to a break from classes, like Melina Mercado, a freshman biology major from Maryland.
“Though I am lucky enough to visit home as often as I do, I’m very excited for a true break to relax,” Mercado said. “I’m also super happy that I’ll get to see and catch up with some of my hometown friends who go to college out-of-state.”
Thanksgiving break marks the first time being home since the semester began for many out-of-state students. Jordan Rudin, a freshman psychology major from New Jersey, is already feeling the excitement.
“It’s so crazy to think about how long I’ve been at school and haven’t been at home,” Rudin said. “Subconsciously, I didn’t let myself think about home [throughout the semester] so I couldn’t be sad but now that I’m actually going home, I’m so excited.
Many within the UMD community were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with their newfound families at school as well. Whether through informal “Friendsgiving” gatherings or more organized program-wide events, there are many ways for students to feel more at home before break officially commences.
“I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving with my Media, Self and Society Scholars Program,” Mercado said. “It was also nice to see all of the friends I’ve made through the program before we leave for break.”
Media, Self and Society, along with accompanying programs within College Park Scholars, hosted their annual Thanksgiving feast Thursday evening. Alison Burns, director of the Media, Self and Society Scholars program, felt the event was a success due to the positive feedback from students who attended.
Burns said about 60 students attended, all seated at one long table. She described the event as a celebration of students’ continued dedication and hard work in their classes.
“The students have accomplished so much in this semester, so I think they should feel really proud of [themselves],” Burns said. “After tackling new classes, meeting new people and experiencing so many new things, they deserve to go home.”
Despite the excitement that arises with Thanksgiving break, finals are still at the forefront of some students’ minds.
Mikaeel Nur, a junior information science major, believes that Thanksgiving break is essential to properly prepare for finals.
“I plan to lock in for finals by doing the most relaxing over break so I can focus on school when I come back,” Nur said.
Mercado described a similar strategy, claiming she will spend a lot of time studying and attending group study sessions once she returns.
While Burns agrees that relaxation is essential, she also advises students with any concerns to “get a little face-to-face” with their professors after the break.
Nevertheless, members of the UMD community eagerly anticipate the much-needed Thanksgiving break to relax, spend time with loved ones and enjoy a stress-free reprieve.
The recess will last until Sunday, Dec. 1. Students will return to campus to finish their studies and take finals before the semester concludes on Dec. 17.