The holidays have come to an end, forcing us to reluctantly step back into our student responsibilities. The period between the last exam and the first day of the new semester blends into one, making it feel both like we had no time off and like the break took forever. Whether we like it or not, though, school has started and we have to get back into it. Here are the stages of getting back to school:
1. Denial
The last week of vacation is either filled with last minute plans, or most likely, with last minute Netflix-binging. The days are still jumbled together, and it’s unclear whether it’s Sunday or Monday. As for the date, well, that’s long forgotten. We use this lack of awareness to our advantage and pretend we have an extra week of lounging around.
2. Anger
The final weekend is coming around. If you’re back from visiting family or going on a trip, you’re probably filled with annoyance of having to be back in the cold and the snow. This is no longer the place for you as your heart is still at the beach, tanning under the southern sun. If you’re like most and you have to work weekends, you’re pissed that you have to waste your last weekend of freedom on labour.
3. Bargaining
The bargaining stage of going back to school is a little different than the norm. During this stage, you try to reason with yourself. “Thirteen weeks isn’t that much,” you’ll believe for maybe a day.
4. Depression
The final weekend is drawing to an end. You’ve finished your shift at work and are trudging home. You need to set an alarm clock now, and even though you’ll still go to bed late, this time you’ll feel guilty about it. Breakfast Monday morning will be plain cereal or toast, because there is no time for a delicious brunch anymore.
5. Acceptance
With your huge winter coat and backpack on your shoulders, you’ll find your way to your first class. You’ll sit down and hear the chatter of “how was your break?” and “what have you been up to?” The teacher will walk in and you’ll carelessly mold back into the routine…Until summer break, of course.
After a week, it’s almost like there was no break. Everything is back to normal until next fall, and until then, we’ll look forward to the warm summer sun and the long break that awaits us in a few months.