Winter break marks the end of the first semester for both students and staffulty at NDB. As the Early Action and Early Decision deadlines have passed for seniors it is now a time to relax, catch up with family and friends or travel somewhere away from home. The break also provides an opportunity to squeeze in a couple more regular applications. The break is further desired following the recent finals. Whether they consisted of projects or exams, the built-up stress for the students will surely need some relief.
Many students and families opt for trips out of town and spend the break skiing or celebrating their respective holidays. Some families choose to stay home and plan on having other family members come visit or they celebrate older siblings returning home from college. Either way it is an opportunity to have a different routine from the school year and allocate time to decompress following the week of final exams and projects.
Junior Adriana Esguerra plans on going somewhere warm with her family to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year. She reflects on the tradition they have kept, bringing around 20 family members together for the holiday season.
“Our traditions, for as long as I can remember, have been to go to Mexico with extended family and stay in a hotel at the beach in Los Cabos,” explains Esguerra. “For New Years Eve we celebrate all together, have dinner on the beach and watch the fireworks over the water. It is a nice escape from finals and school.”
Cameron Brady, a senior, plans on staying local for Christmas. However, she anticipates having some family come into town for the holidays to visit.
“I am excited to have a much needed break from finals as it has been challenging to balance finals with the added pressure of college applications. Let’s just say, Santa could not come any faster,” says Brady with apparent contempt.
Lake Tahoe is a common place for families to go when they don’t want to deal with flying anywhere but still want a white Christmas. Many will hop in a car and drive about 4 hours to meet up with friends, hit the slopes or spend time in the ski villages with some hot cocoa.
“I look forward to going to Tahoe and spending time with friends and family during winter break while also having a break from coursework. I am hoping for lots of snow so we can go skiing.” says senior Reese Lancaster.
Students from all grades are looking forward to the break as a chance to relax and prepare themselves for the upcoming semester. No matter what they plan on doing or where they are going, they look forward to the freedom of not thinking about a homework assignment and just spending time with loved ones in celebration of the holiday spirit.
