With the rush of exams finally coming to a halt and Winter Break just on the horizon, the last things most students want to think about is what the spring semester has in store, myself included. Still, Winter Break is the perfect opportunity to think of new ways to get involved and make the most of your time at GW.
What does that entail? Less Buzzfeed and Netflix? More Gelman? Saying goodbye to all-nighters for good? While it might not hurt, that’s not exactly what I had in mind. So, what exactly can you do?
1) Recommit to GW: Life as a GW student can be hectic. With schedules crammed with classes, internships, and everything in between, it can be easy to get caught up in the motions of being a student. We all have those days where all you want to do is sleep and pretend you don't have a paper you should be working on, but try not to let yourself get too apathetic! Go the extra mile during the upcoming semester to meet with your professors outside of class and try to attend extra lectures held in the Elliott School. While it may seem tedious beforehand, you’ll leave feeling better about yourself and more excited about what you’re studying.
2) Give back to the community: Fail to land the internship? Looking to give back and become more involved in the DC community, or just to kill some time? It’s never too late to look into volunteering. Ranging from animal shelters to the Smithsonian museums, most organizations are always looking for the extra helping hand. Search for listings online or simply contact the organization directly. Getting involved off campus can help break up the monotony of a busy schedule, relieve stress, and be incredibly rewarding.
3) Research for the Summer: Summer already? Really? Yes, really. Deadlines for summer work/internship positions always tend to sneak up on you in the winter. Take the time over the break to research different organizations and positions that look like they may fit your interests. Familiarize yourself with their application processes and the opportunities they list annually now so you can save yourself the panic of completing last minute applications later. You’ll be glad you did- trust me.
4) Prepare for Study Abroad: If you are considering studying abroad in the coming year, whether it be in the Summer 2015 or Fall 2015, the upcoming semester may be the perfect time to start looking at different program options. Arrange a time to meet with your academic advisor to discuss potential programs and figure out how studying abroad will play into your graduation plans. Even if you don’t think you have the time, you may be surprised! Don't rule it out quite yet!
5) Refresh and Recharge: Take the time to relax over break. You deserve it after surviving finals. If this is all sounding way too long term for you, just focus on doing what you can to make your transition back onto campus as stress free as possible. Order textbooks ahead of time so you can pick them up before the package services line is literally out the door. Restock on all of your school supplies now before CVS is cleared out of all the cheap notebooks and your favorite pens. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.
With that in mind, Happy Winter Break! Refresh, recharge, celebrate the season, and, of course, get excited for what next semester has in store! Brace yourself, GW. Spring 2015 is coming…
What does that entail? Less Buzzfeed and Netflix? More Gelman? Saying goodbye to all-nighters for good? While it might not hurt, that’s not exactly what I had in mind. So, what exactly can you do?
1) Recommit to GW: Life as a GW student can be hectic. With schedules crammed with classes, internships, and everything in between, it can be easy to get caught up in the motions of being a student. We all have those days where all you want to do is sleep and pretend you don't have a paper you should be working on, but try not to let yourself get too apathetic! Go the extra mile during the upcoming semester to meet with your professors outside of class and try to attend extra lectures held in the Elliott School. While it may seem tedious beforehand, you’ll leave feeling better about yourself and more excited about what you’re studying.
2) Give back to the community: Fail to land the internship? Looking to give back and become more involved in the DC community, or just to kill some time? It’s never too late to look into volunteering. Ranging from animal shelters to the Smithsonian museums, most organizations are always looking for the extra helping hand. Search for listings online or simply contact the organization directly. Getting involved off campus can help break up the monotony of a busy schedule, relieve stress, and be incredibly rewarding.
3) Research for the Summer: Summer already? Really? Yes, really. Deadlines for summer work/internship positions always tend to sneak up on you in the winter. Take the time over the break to research different organizations and positions that look like they may fit your interests. Familiarize yourself with their application processes and the opportunities they list annually now so you can save yourself the panic of completing last minute applications later. You’ll be glad you did- trust me.
4) Prepare for Study Abroad: If you are considering studying abroad in the coming year, whether it be in the Summer 2015 or Fall 2015, the upcoming semester may be the perfect time to start looking at different program options. Arrange a time to meet with your academic advisor to discuss potential programs and figure out how studying abroad will play into your graduation plans. Even if you don’t think you have the time, you may be surprised! Don't rule it out quite yet!
5) Refresh and Recharge: Take the time to relax over break. You deserve it after surviving finals. If this is all sounding way too long term for you, just focus on doing what you can to make your transition back onto campus as stress free as possible. Order textbooks ahead of time so you can pick them up before the package services line is literally out the door. Restock on all of your school supplies now before CVS is cleared out of all the cheap notebooks and your favorite pens. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.
With that in mind, Happy Winter Break! Refresh, recharge, celebrate the season, and, of course, get excited for what next semester has in store! Brace yourself, GW. Spring 2015 is coming…