Winter break is upon us, and if you’re like me, you’re a little burnt out.
A lot of energy has been exerted in maintaining good grades and good relationships, and it may feel like we’ve reached a deficit when it comes to maintaining good self care. You probably can’t wait for the break to officially commence. It brings hope of rest, company with loved ones and an abundance of time.
However, the holidays may also bring worrisome aspects to the table. If you’ve lost a loved one, the holidays can feel more deflating than fulfilling. If you are going to a home that shares different beliefs and values than you do, the idea may feel more imprisoning than inviting. If you’ve truly found a home on campus, then it may actually feel like you’re leaving home. With the cold, short days continuing to approach, it is much easier to reach a slump of depression. Many might not have the support system at home that they have here on Rocky Top.
Whatever the feeling, the holidays are multifaceted. For me, they seem very bittersweet — bipolar if you will. As the past election and Thanksgiving holiday has shown, many large events can be gray, despite our belief that our world is to be viewed as black and white. I want to write this to remind you that it is completely okay to feel many things. It’s even okay to feel it all. No matter how the holidays may feel for you — be it dread or anticipation, understand that you are the ultimate priority. Yes, family is important. Yes, going home and traveling has its due place. However, you have to be sure to put yourself first. As Volunteers, remember our creed: “He that beareth a torch shadoweth himself that he may give light to others.”
How does this apply to the holidays? Well, you can’t cast light that you don’t first have. So, if you feel burnt out, take this holiday season to reignite the light within you. Do things you love with people you love. If it requires days of rotting in bed then so be it. You won’t be the only one partaking in such activities. Use this season of life as a time of reflection. How can you make the second semester easier for you? What habits worked? What can you do differently to maximize effective time management? How can you ensure you are putting your own needs first? These are crucial questions to ask yourself so that you can be honest and not cheat yourself of all of the potential within you. It is true that you can use this break to both destress and empower yourself simultaneously. The true practice of a Volunteer is to engage in activities that bring a multitude of positive results.
I also wanted to take some time to give some personal congratulations. I am so proud of you for keeping strong during this fall semester. Be it your first (like mine), one of many, or even last, I hope you feel fulfilled with all of the work you have done and all of the things you have accomplished. Even if you don’t feel worthy of this sentiment, understand that you are. Even if all you did was wake up, go to class, eat, sleep, and repeat, I am still proud of you for choosing to do what you felt needed to be done each day. Even if you feel lost or feel like your work doesn’t amount to much, understand that the consistency of your work is still such a win.
While our attention is often on giving a kudos to those in Tennessee Athletics, extraordinary scholarly achievements and positions granted within various organizations, I hope you know that it is equally a success that you have continued to be a functioning asset to this great institution that is the University of Tennessee. So take this break and use it as such. Use it as a time for reflection. Use it as a time to cater to your own needs, so that by the time spring semester rolls around, you can return fully recharged and ready to face any and all challenges you may face. For that is the true spirit of a Tennessee Vol. So understand that even if you do essentially nothing, you are doing absolutely everything.
Stay safe, Vols.
Jeremiah Vecchioni is a freshman at UT studying secondary social studies education. He can be reached at [email protected]
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
