From December 20 to January 6, Prairie High School students enjoyed their winter break as a time to relax and rejuvenate before starting a new semester. With the absence of academic pressures, students could focus on personal interests, family time, and travel.
Many students welcomed the break from homework, using the time to recharge. “I did not have any homework, and I hardly ever opened my backpack all break.” Efe Otoikhian, a senior at Prairie, expressed her relief at the lack of assignments. This related to her classmate, Marissa Raley, who admitted, ” I had no homework, and if I did, I don’t think I would’ve had any motivation to do any of it.” The break gave a chance for students to fully disconnect from their academic responsibilities.
While some students, like Efe, stayed close to home, others took the opportunity to travel. “I stayed home all break,” Efe said, explaining that she valued the simplicity of spending time with family and friends. Her holiday season was particularly special as she celebrated her 18th birthday shortly after Christmas, adding an extra layer of joy to her break. “I spent my holidays with my family and New Year’s with my friends,” she shared. “It was also my 18th birthday shortly after Christmas, so I had a lot of fun hanging out with my friends for my birthday.”
On the other hand, Marissa Raley made the most of the break by venturing out of town. “I traveled to California with my family after Christmas,” she said. The trip offered her a change of scenery and the chance to create lasting memories with her family. Reflecting on the highlight of her break, Marissa said, “My highlight was having more time to hang out with my friends and family.”
For both Efe and Marissa, the winter break was a mix of relaxation and cherished moments with friends and family. As students settle back into their school routines, the experiences and memories of their break serve as a reminder of the importance of taking time to unwind and connect with those who matter most, especially for these two seniors last year in high school.
