Fall Break?

     The past few weeks I have been anxiously awaiting fall break. Although, I'm from Houston and can go home whenever, I couldn't wait to be home to just relax with my family. After a very busy and stressful week comprised of a presentation, a stats test, an Access midterm, advising, and several group project meetings I am finally home. As I take this time to reflect on my past learning experiences, I now know the feeling of a much needed break.
     It has come to my attention that the only real break from school we have is Christmas break. December is the one month out of the entire year that we don't have to study for tests, complete homework assignments, or attend countless meetings. Some may argue that summer is a long break, but many students take summer classes which interferes with the break you thought you were going to have.
     This fall break will consist of some quality family time with a side of studying. One of my professors has graciously scheduled a test the day after fall break. Thank you professor, I truly wanted to spend my fall break studying for your test. So while my family will be lounging in the living room watching football, I will be preoccupied reading my foundations textbook and preparing for a test from hell. On the flip side, Christmas beak is around the corner and I look forward to dong absolutely nothing. 
     This week alone has been a life lesson I wish I would have known a few years back. Your work load never ceases, you just have to learn how to manage your time. I've always considered myself to have efficient time management skills, but what I didn't realize is that dedication requires sacrifices. Setting aside my favorite TV shows I watch religiously, spending time with friends, declining social invites, etc. has been the only way I've managed to complete all the work that's assigned. As much as I hate it now, I'm waiting for it to pay off in the future.
     My classes are much more difficult and time consuming this year. Last year I was able to successfully manage 15 hours in addition to working 10 hours a week. The amount of time I spend a week with my two semester long group projects is enough to call it a job, minus the perks of being paid. One is going smoothly and we all work well together. However, the second project poses more of a challenge as we're all a little clueless as to what is going on as well as a lack of team goals and expectations. I foresee many more group projects ahead similar to the one that's challenging right now, which is why it is important I learn from the experience. In reality, not everyone is going to get along with everyone so it's important to facilitate discussion and establish team goals and expectations prior to the start of the project. Perhaps that's why my other group seems to collaborate so well? I'm a convinced personality is a major factor of how the group is going to function. 
     In the meantime, I'm going to use this break as a mini getaway from all the group project meetings we have as it will all still be there when I get back. I hope you all have a fabulous fall break. Relax and have a great time. Promise me you won't study too hard!