We need a break

In the time of the coronavirus pandemic, virtual learning is just another aspect of the “new normal” that students have had to adjust to. Online learning has certainly provided us with an opportunity to continue to learn during difficult times, and we are privileged to be able to have this. 

But day in and day out, sitting on Zoom or walking across a campus that feels like a ghost town can feel bleak, to say the least. The pandemic has embedded this monotonous fear in all of us, where we are forced to deal with rising death tolls and the loss of what should be the peak of our lives. Yet in the midst of this, we still deal with overwhelming amounts of work and the pressure placed on us to be resilient. Now, even little things, like snow days, are taken from us. 

A few days ago, I was excited about the snow storm, only to be reminded that with online learning, we wouldn’t get a day off; classes and other responsibilities would just continue virtually. Once again, something that I was so accustomed to became different due to the pandemic. 

With all of the calamity that seems to constantly surround us, complaining about snow days may seem asinine. But in years past, during times with no break in sight, the excitement surrounding a snow day announcement seemed to be felt all throughout campus. The joyous energy of getting an unexpected day off was unparalleled. 

This boost of morale is something that students could use now more than ever, especially with the loss of spring break. 

Spring break used to allow students to decompress and enjoy some well deserved time off from stressful classes and a long semester. In the time of the pandemic, which has added immense stress to everyone’s lives, a break is much needed. But instead, we only have four individual days off, spread out throughout the rest of the semester.

Looking at the academic calendar and the lack of breaks instills an existential sense of dread in students. It’s understandable why there is no spring break. The safety measures the university is taking make sense. But that doesn’t make it any easier for students to digest. 

Students are exhausted. All the changes we face, we have no choice in. With all of the change that students are forced to adjust to, if there’s a possibility for some normalcy, why shouldn’t we take it? Obviously, snow days are not going to fix all of the challenges that students face due to COVID-19, but it would bring a sense of comfort and a much needed rest. 

Let us enjoy the snow and miss a few classes. Losing one day of virtual learning is not going to be a detriment to our education. What is harmful to our education is the lack of motivation and declining mental health that come with no breaks. 

In the midst of all the chaos, snow days give us something to be excited about and allow us to regroup. As seen with the many students who took time between classes last week to enjoy the snow on campus, we need a bit of fun to make life with COVID-19 not so monotonous.