I know this semester has been, well, odd.
Hell this entire year has been odder.
So many changes on the federal level, including new intrusive FAFSA questions.
Including the grinch swiping away what little student loan relief that the Biden administration was allowed to do by the courts.
I mean, we all know who the grinch is, right?
Put that aside.
Things will still be bat-shit-crazy in the new year and the new semester.
Take a deep breath now, and count the good things.
Finals are done and your grades most likely in by your instructors.
Winter graduations and hoodings for graduate students have occurred. Including two of my cohort. Congratulations, guys, well done.
I’m not jealous at all. No, really I’m not. This is a process and I am just not as far along as them.
It is too early to plan for Spring Semester.
Christmas is over 10 days away.
Now is the time to breathe. And maybe nap. In fact, I hope your sleep is as good as Dot’s on her warming pad and window perch.
My winter hope for you is that you rest well over Winter Break.
Think about school only if you want to but don’t obsess about it.
Read that book you’ve been meaning to get to.
Watch that hot new movie in the theater before it is pulled.
As an aside, Hamnet was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.
Watch that television show that you’ve been saving up for the end of the semester.
Wrap your presents (if you do them), ready your travel plans (if you are going anywhere), but be safe.
The crazy things will be there after the first of the year.
Take this time to re-center yourself and remember who you are and why you are on this journey.
And have a happy, safe, and restful holidays.
Spring Semester is just a breath away.
Dispatches from the Evening Shift 