Starting on Jan. 8, there are only 112 short days until the last day of finals for the spring semester. Not counting weekends or the holiday for MLK Day, it is a much shorter semester than fall but comes off the back of the much awaited winter break. 

These three weeks have flown by in the blink of an eye, and as much as I missed the chaos and business of my days in Oakland, being home just feels … right. Working at my high school job, seeing all the regulars who were glad to get their coffee made correctly, driving down the snow-covered streets and shopping for groceries with my mom at the local Giant Eagle is the simple life I need. This break reminded me to appreciate these little moments.

Now, over a year and a half into my college education, I have come to appreciate the moments of peace home brings. Just a few weeks off gave me the energy to power through what will be a hectic semester of work, a full course load and internships — something we will all be experiencing. 

I believe with each year of college we grow more independent, but in each break we appreciate the comfort and the necessity home is for us all. One day, most of us will be working strict job schedules during the week, possibly spread out across the globe, and our lives will be filled with the most intense adult responsibilities. Being home is an excuse to be a kid for a few weeks. 

When we resume our days here at Pitt, we are tasked with responsibilities and goals that force us to spend most of our day studying and late nights completing every task needed to succeed. Being a college student anywhere is not easy, and getting these few short weeks makes it so much more difficult to separate relaxation from responsibility. We have grown accustomed to sleeping in until noon, home-cooked meals — at least quality ones our parents make — and our ability to wear loungewear at all possible occasions. The adjustments that have come and are coming in these next few weeks will be difficult for us all.

Everyone has a favorite and easier semester in my experience — it is rarely the spring semester. Winter break gives us just the right amount of time to barely get a routine at home going before the rug is ripped out from under us. Unlike my friends at Slippery Rock or Tennessee, whose winter breaks last until the end of January, we come back so early that it makes readjusting twice as difficult.

So while there is a lot of anxiety surrounding this week from homesickness to figuring out if the Rate My Professor score was accurate, I can always assure you everything will work out on the good hill to die on, where our family is just down the mountain side.

Cherish the memories you made over this break, continue ringing in the New Year, setting new — for me, unachievable — goals and just breathe — summer will come faster than we can even begin to fathom. But if I see anyone bikini shopping in January, I will certainly lose it.

Just relax and enjoy these limbo years in college before we are let off into the real world to make mistakes our parents can no longer clean up. College and excessively long intermissions from learning are meant to be enjoyed and never stressed over. Welcome back Pitt, only 112 days to go.