Student feels ready for break

OPINION

Spring break can’t get here soon enough. I know it’s only two days away, but I am in dire need of the time off because I’ve been running myself ragged this semester.

I am a “super” senior studying journalism and education. I am in my next-to-last semester and am student teaching at a high school here in Denton. Similar to high school teachers, I am there from 8:15 in the morning to 4:15 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday.

Normally, this is where the day would end for student teachers, because they are finished with their other courses and are only concentrating on certification tests, lesson plans and résumés. Not me.

I still have another class in my journalism sequence to finish, so I’m still coming to campus for that. I also signed up for a night class on Mondays to further my education, and so I would have 12 hours and still qualify for financial aid. When I’m not in class, I’m working.

I’m up at 7 a.m. every day, home by 10 p.m. and asleep by 11 most every night. When I have spare time at work, which is often, I am creating lesson plans for my students, or I am reading and doing homework for my night class.

I don’t have a social life during the week, other than all of the games of Monopoly I play online. Please don’t take the car — that’s my favorite game piece.

Friday is always good because I’m free after the school day ends, unless I have a meeting. I still work on Saturday, but it’s an easy shift and it gives me time to do more homework or build hotels on Baltic and Mediterranean.

Sunday is my day of rest, but I’m starting a softball league soon and need to get back into playing shape. The winter break was kind to me, but I also lounged about, doing nothing but sedentary activities and am now winded going up a flight of stairs.

It’s taken me well more than 300 words to say this, but I’ve been going non-stop since the semester started and I’m elated to have a week off from everything.

Despite having more than seven days of free time, I already have a few things planned, none of which are terribly exciting.

I will take my Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities certification test Tuesday. Wednesday is St. Patrick’s Day and is when my roommate returns from a three-month stay in Chile. That’s about it for me.

I know. I’m living the high life.

I don’t care if my spring break seems boring or stressful because I paid $120 to take the test and I need it to become a real teacher. I’m satisfied with having free time.

I’m content with sitting at home and being able to recharge my batteries in preparation for the last half of the semester. Besides, I think that’s what spring break is all about for teachers, students, professors and administrators alike.

Enjoy the time off at the beach, on the road or sitting at home. I know I will because I’ll be the guy sleeping in past noon and wearing my pajamas all week. Now, if I can roll an 11, I’ll land on the Reading Railroad and will have my favorite monopoly!

Ryan Feuerhelm is a journalism senior. He can be reached at Ryan.Feuerhelm@unt.edu.