CREDIT: BETTERMARKSNOW.COM
Many students are sick of hunching over textbooks to prepare for exams, and dream of relaxing during the holiday break in December.

It's a very relieving yet funny feeling going straight from the really eventful and stressful midterm examinations to ending the semester in less than a month. That's right, it's time to shout for joy ladies and gentlemen — we are nearing the end of the Fall 2012 semester here at Fanshawe College and it is all moving at a wickedly fast rate.

All around, students are chatting happily about their upcoming plans for their well-deserved time off. With the winter semester right around the corner, the break in between classes will be a chance for students to relax and unwind while awaiting the challenges that stand before them going into the next semester.

Ryan, who is currently in his second year of Business — Insurance studies at Fanshawe, said, "I am so happy that midterms are done. Now I just have to write exams, then it's off to the cottage for the break."

Dana, who is in his second semester of studies in the Business — Insurance program, agreed. "I will finally have time to relax with my family and enjoy Christmas without any distractions, and that makes me happy, but I look forward to the next semester and the classes I have."

Don't kick your feet up just yet, though! There are still a few weeks remaining in this semester and still a lot of projects are due and taking precedence over all the spare time a student has. Sarah, who is in her second year of the Business — Marketing program here at Fanshawe, said she looks forward to the challenges. "I am glad midterms are over. A lot of people think the last few weeks are the hardest, but for me it is definitely mid-terms that get me more than anything."

The reality is that time moves so quickly for some students, but tediously long for others to the point where some people require the breaks more than others. I personally love working and studying a lot more than the average person and I don't do well with long breaks, so the break will be a little uneasy for me. I'll be anticipating the return to classes in January.

Regardless of your excitement or anxiety about the coming break, many will agree that it is time to shut down for a little while. It is a great opportunity to get involved here at Fanshawe with various volunteer initiatives and seminars. ENACTUS, as an example, is a great way to get involved here at the campus. They are a student club that deals with various community initiatives and they are always looking for new members as well. For more information, speak to Nitsa Andres or Jim Johnston in the business office (B2015) or check out the billboards on the second floor of B building.

In conclusion, the time of year is starting to get chilly. It is now time to throw the cabana cozies in the closet and break out the cardigans. Fellow students, this will be a very fast-paced home stretch. Remember to keep your heads up and stay focused, we only have a few short days until the break.