If you’re anything like me, you are desperate for a consistent routine by the end of winter break. Don’t get me wrong, I love waking up late and lounging in bed all day, occasionally relocating my cocoon of blankets to the couch downstairs. In college we all could use a few days like that to relax and decompress. Okay, maybe more than just a few days.

But when January hits and I’m counting down the days until I leave for Auburn, I find myself already feeling behind. I’ll think, “I haven’t even bought school supplies! What classes am I taking again? I should get more involved!”

The transition from zero to 100 happens real quick, and it’s stressful.

Now that I am halfway through my junior year, I think I have a pretty good idea of how to stay mentally sane during the rude awakening of spring semester.

On my five-hour plane ride to Atlanta, I reflected on the past semester and all the highs and lows that came with it. What are my goals for this semester? Maybe I will challenge myself to get up earlier each morning and read the news. Or devise a shopping list plan to save money at the grocery store. I want to challenge myself to get better grades, and not save my studying until the last minute.

Turning the page of a new year can be daunting – I often feel the pressure to pick up new habits or “change” myself in some way. But that leads to stress. A new semester means a clean slate, and you can make of that what you wish. Not everyone is on board for the new workout program or daily devotionals – and that’s okay.

In the wake of a new year and a new semester, remember to take a deep breath. Get excited to see the people you’ve been missing the past four weeks - and to return home to the Loveliest Village on The Plains.

Best of luck this semester and as always,

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Jack P.