We are headed into our fall break here at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and many people think we should get a longer break than just a three-day weekend, while some believe this is useful preparation for adulthood and having a career where you rarely get a break at all. In my opinion, our fall break should have at least been a four-day weekend consisting of Thursday and Friday or Monday and Tuesday. 

Many students here at CMU are feeling burnt out and a slightly extended fall break could have done wonders for raising spirits on campus. While many students will try to get home to see family over our break, this very short amount of time gives them less quality time than anyone should have with their loved ones. 

Those who believe this pseudo-fall break is a beneficial preparation for adulthood have an understandable point.  These are difficult times to be a full-time college student, and being able to work hard without the need for an extensive break is a great skill to have in life. 

It is arguable in many ways that the emerging adults we call college students face a lot more risk at this time and require these routine breaks. Whether it be to work extra hours to pay for their tuition, to relax and regain the small amount of mental fortitude 18 to 22 year olds possess or to actually enjoy the “best years of their lives” without the stress of school, a break is not deserved, but required.

As the weather turns colder and leaves start to fall, it is very easy to just want to sit in bed all day and watch TV, but we are going into the most stressful and difficult part of a semester, so to have at least three days where we can relax after working all year is a welcomed prospect regardless.

Here at CMU, we have a calendar committee that is partially run by students. They plan out the calendar year for CMU, including breaks. If this break passes by in what seems to be the blink of an eye, it might be worth a shot to bring that to their attention for next year. After all, we have been working very hard and seeing very little free time. 

Hopefully, you took this brief break to relax and regroup with friends and family, it’s always helpful to get a break from things and not think about school or work for a few days, regardless of its length. Take advantage!