It’s the holiday season. You’re bundled up in blankets with your family, sitting by a warm fire, the aromas of your forthcoming feast floating throughout the house. You’re happy, you’re peaceful, you’re excited to open your gifts. Family that you haven’t seen in ages is in town, you’re catching up and making merry.
Then you get a Canvas notification. Math assignment due on January 2.
You glance over at your siblings playing with the dogs, your parents laughing with your aunts and uncles, your cousins playing games and your grandparents resting peacefully by the fire. You get up, leave your family, and do some calculus.
Photo courtesy of Gianna Cilluffo ’22
This is the reality for many EA students come holiday break. A time meant for family, rest, and enjoyment is restricted by a perpetual commitment to schoolwork. Is winter break really a “break” if students have to sacrifice their time to complete assignments? “Some teachers still have assigned projects and other long-term assignments, which in my opinion defeats the purpose of a true break,” comments Elizabeth Boruff ‘23. She continues, “I think having large assignments due the day students return increases their stress during a time of what is intended to be a relaxing break.”
Students feel obligated to study in preparation for tests scheduled for right after the return to school. Charlie Maier ‘22 adds, “Personally, I feel as though Thanksgiving break is a time for rest, visiting family, and a time to recharge. By having homework and tests/quizzes immediately after a break, students are forced to cut their break and family time short to produce the best school work that they can.”
Students deserve a true break, completely free from academic worry. One of the hallmarks of an EA education is the competitive environment and rigorous workload. But, as corroborated by numerous students, this intensity can lead to serious burnout. “With the exhaustion as a result of the end of fall sports, combined with teachers trying to fit as much in before the semester ends, we’re all burned out. I look forward to Christmas break to give myself a break and time to focus on myself, family, and friends without the constant need to complete assignments, says Boruff. Students see breaks, especially during the holiday season, as a much needed mental break from the demanding EA lifestyle.
Winter break in particular is timed perfectly for a student recharge, especially for seniors. “I’ve been spending all my free time this year writing college essays and applications,” explains Emily Staid ‘22, “Hopefully it’ll all be over by December 15th [Early Decision release day] but if not Christmas break will be super stressful.” College applications, the leading cause of stress for seniors, have significant deadlines throughout the first semester. Placed perfectly between 1st and 2nd semester, winter break is the ultimate reward for seniors drowning in college essays. “I do hope that no matter what I don’t have to think about college and my regular school work simultaneously over break. I need the break before second semester starts,” says Staid.
Regardless of their workloads, students deserve an opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of their family during the holidays. The holidays are meant to be a pause in everyday activities to prioritize time spent with loved ones. Macy Szukics ‘22 explains, “Whenever I have time off during the school year I just sleep. I’m too tired to hang out with my family,” underscoring the value of a true winter break. Whether spending break at home or travelling, no one should feel obligated to sacrifice the memories that come with the holidays in order to get ahead on assignments. Mia Cabral ‘22 elaborates, “It’s my last Christmas at home. I’m the oldest in my family and the first cousin leaving for college, and I really want to make the most of the time with my family one last time.”
Episcopal should enforce a no-homework, no-studying policy over break, providing its students with a much-needed, much-deserved hiatus from schoolwork. This action will improve student morale and reinforce EA’s belief that the holidays should be time spent with loved ones, not laptops and textbooks.