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Italian Farm Field

Dear person who is reading this incredibly awesome blog, take time for yourself.

In general, a lot of us won't admit that we don't take time for ourselves. Most of us work or study during the entire day. Then, we feel tired so we try to relax only a little and end up going back to sleep. Finally, we repeat. We do not take enough time for ourselves!

Now, I have realized that throughout my first year at Dartmouth I was always engaging with something. Whether that was writing an essay for class, composing music for practice, or even merely hanging out with my friends, I was always busy. Maybe I should have realized how nice it was when I had to quarantine for 10 days in the spring and had time to relax. Now, I am starting my first off term (a term where you do not take classes)!


Flight Home From Rome
From Rome to Home!


Beach Sunset in Calabria, Italy
Beach sunset from the summer term!

Of course, I have plans during my off term, but my biggest goal is to relax. After my summer studying abroad in Rome, I realized that I need time to reflect on my first full year of attending college. Many friends and relatives have asked me what I plan to do with my current break from class. "I am planning to relax most of my break," is what I respond! Overall, I will stay with friends in Hanover to rush a fraternity this fall for several weeks while playing with the wind ensemble and orchestra. In addition, I will be getting a job in town to help me from being bored while my friends are in class! After this, I will go back home to see family and then it will be Winterim (Dartmouth's 6 week winter break).

Most people who hear this plan find it very bizarre and always ask me why I am not doing an internship or just staying home. I mostly want time to be with my friends without constantly stressing over my time management! In addition, I think it will be nice to not have an internship so I get more time to relax and focus on my mental health. There is so much more than just "staying busy." We have a limited time with most things we do, so why not make that time as enjoyable as we can? I believe I don't need to stay busy and high achieving constantly because I want time to enjoy the simple things. Whether you're a parent, college student, prospective student, or someone else, take some time to enjoy things and reflect upon what you are doing

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