Everyone needs a break, especially college students. On this tight knit, quaint campus, many may feel suffocated by being surrounded by others 24/7. Let’s be honest; this is a small campus. Odds are that if you need a breather, you physically have to make time to step out. Wherever you may reside, be it Frazer, the Cunninghams, Arc, the Landings or even Lancer Park, you have most likely experienced that feeling. It may have been for a five minute coffee break or a good couple hours on your own, But everyone needs to get away once in a while.
Oscar Wilde once said, “I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.” Many students can completely relate to Wilde’s words, particularly at our age, when we are still discovering who we are and who we want to be. Living on campus or off, taking classes with a room full of differing ideas and opinions can really defer you from listening to your own thoughts and giving yourself your own “me time.”
The constant chatter among those around you can be overwhelming, especially on a small campus like ours. Breaking away or getting a chance to just “be you,” for a bit can help you realize your own thoughts, how you feel and what you want to do. Most importantly, you have a chance to avoid the persistent input of others. It’s important to give yourself space, especially if you feel trapped or like you can’t catch a break. The constant hall banter, listening to everyone else’s problems, gossip, drama or just the mindless, daily chatter can be exhausting if you don’t take time out for yourself. Every now and then, go solo for a while. Enjoy as much “me time” as you need. Focus on yourself. Recharge yourself. Do whatever makes you feel renewed. Go to the library, listen to music while finishing your essay, find a new comfy spot somewhere where no one will bother you, watch Netflix, go to the gym, sit in Barnes and Noble, read a book or whatever it may be. Just don’t think that you can never get away from others when you need to. Find little places or things that will give you the space you need and are probably dying to have. Separate yourself from others when you need it the most.
