A Good Hill to Die On // What I Am Really Thankful For

‘Tis my favorite season — the air is getting colder, leaves are falling and I can nearly taste my mom’s pumpkin pie. That perfectly cooked, never-frozen bacon-wrapped turkey, chestnut stuffing and cranberry jelly make up what I define as a perfect Thanksgiving. Now, add on a whole week off, and this may be my favorite holiday ever. But even with a week off, after it comes days of late nights studying, writing and preparing for the dreaded finals week. No turkey or pie can truly make that anxiousness go away, even if you enter into a food coma.

Trust me, you get through it. Everyone’s final week looks different. For me, most of my professors choose to put them on the last day of classes. So yes, I get to start break early, but pray for me. Others will have a mix of exams, papers and presentations. This stress is something we have all been awaiting and attempting to keep out of sight and out of mind, but after Thanksgiving break, it will no longer be possible.

This week off is perfectly fixed to somehow garner more stress. From this Sunday to next Sunday, I will be dreading returning to campus all in lieu of exam week. Many students are even receiving work to do over the break — luckily, I am not one. Instead, I will be working as a barista at Dunkin’.

I know this break will not consist of anything overly fancy, besides a nice meal with close family, and I’ll spend the nine days sleeping till noon, driving in my red Subaru to a “real” Chick-fil-A — not the one up at the Pete — and finally showering without shoes. The stress of exams always comes and goes. I believe Pitt gives us this break to better propel us for the long week ahead. 

Take this time as a little treat. Stress about exams, papers and life when you return to campus. While it may just seem like going home, make it a vacation. 

I am more than guilty about canceling or ignoring my plans over break just out of a pure need to rest but lying in my bed has no physical or emotional benefit. So rest up good on this cornucopia-shaped holiday hill, but do not forget life continues after finals and college. 

For my week off, I have three set goals — eat an ungodly amount of carbs, go see the lights at Phipps and be less concerned about the future. I have learned quickly this year how much can change in 24 hours. Worrying about every exam or future issue is a pure waste of time. I am not advertising a “Cs get degrees” ideology, but constantly stressing, predicting and not enjoying relaxation is useless. 

From what I have observed on social media, there is a trend showing a college day in the life. Now, it has been a great inspiration for meals and outfits, but some preach this excessive and unrealistic life. No student, like myself, is perfectly balancing it all. I have my good days, put on makeup, eat three complete meals and am in bed by 11, but those are rare. It is realistic to have bad days, be stressed and fail. 

Constantly worrying in regards to the future is helpful to nobody, especially yourself. 

So take this break as a chance to relax and enjoy the time away from noisy Oakland. If on Monday, Dec. 2, you wanna start stressing, I get it. I will too, but there is no hill worth dying on where you never get a moment relaxing.