After what feels like the longest six weeks of my life, I feel ready for a break. The beginning of freshman year has been a lot. Between making new friends, adjusting to a new routine, starting new classes, and getting used to so many changes, this long weekend feels like it can’t come soon enough. It’s the perfect opportunity for a reset, and even though I don’t think I’ll be able to make it home this year, here’s how I would spend the weekend if I could make it home and set myself up for success in the second half of the semester.
If I were lucky enough not to have class on Fridays, my break would start with a train into the city on Thursday evening, arriving around 9 p.m. I’d then take the subway uptown to get home, where the first thing on my agenda, after saying hello to my family, of course, would be taking a shower without shower shoes! I can’t wait to take as long as I’d like in the shower without worrying about who might need to use it after me, and to blast music as loud as I want without disturbing my floormates. After my long, hot shower, I’d put on some comfy PJs, fill up my Stanley with ice-cold filtered water, and get into bed to watch the first episode of the new season of Abbott Elementary. Then, I’d fall asleep surrounded by all my stuffed animals and my weighted blanket.
The next morning, I’d sleep in, make a perfect homemade matcha in my favorite glass, and enjoy a nice, slow morning. After taking my time catching up on everything I’ve missed in the news, pop culture, and social media, I’d get dressed in an outfit I’ve missed dearly—one that didn’t make the cut when I was deciding what to bring to school. Once dressed, I’d ideally head out to meet up with my friends from home (who, in this fantasy scenario, also have fall break this weekend) for lunch at our favorite diner, Viand Cafe, on 75th and Broadway. After catching up over tuna melts and Greek salad, my favorite items on the menu, I’d head back home to help my mom cook for Shabbat.
Before heading back on Monday evening, I’d want to make sure to take a nice, long walk by the Hudson River, spend some quality time shopping at Buffalo Exchange with my mom and sister, and enjoy having a stocked fridge. Although I unfortunately won’t be able to make it home this long weekend, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Plus, there’s always next year or winter break to look forward to enjoying all these activities at home.