As finals week rolled around, so did the spring break plans. Everywhere I went, someone was planning an amazing vacation. Bora Bora, Cabo, Florida, Hawaii, or spending the week at a family friend’s cabin in Chelan.

I couldn’t help but feel like my spring break would be boring compared to those who were getting ready to jet off to a tropical paradise. As I packed up my sweaters, jeans, and raincoats to head back to Snohomish (which, for those of you who aren’t familiar with the small town, is about 30 minutes north of Seattle), I knew there wouldn’t be much sunshine waiting for me when I got home. And that was kind of depressing at first; I grew up a product of wanderlust.

My parents always encouraged me to travel, explore, and experience life as much as I could. Breaks from school were usually spent traveling or road tripping across the country with my cousin. This year would be different. None of my friends would be home at the same time.

What would I do? Would I be bored?

No, I was and am not bored (I still have a few precious days of break left). I’m more than happy to be in my hometown, no matter how small it may seem. As soon as I got home and was able to shower in my own bathroom, which was free of other people’s forgotten razors or hair, I knew I had nothing to worry about.

Being at home made me realize how much I appreciate all the little luxuries that come with living in a house.

My spring break has been quiet, that’s for sure. But I gladly welcomed the change of pace in comparison to the ever-constant noise of college. Whether it’s the buzz of chatter at a coffee shop, hearing doors slam down the hall, or music blaring from the bathroom at all hours of the night, my home was quiet, and I was grateful.

There’s always food in the fridge, a cozy couch, and a laundry machine less than six floors away (shoutout to the Nash Hall basement laundry room). No matter how much I love being independent in college, I will always appreciate the comfort of hearing my dad working in the garage, or hearing my mom fill me in about work over a latte that didn’t come from a $6 Starbucks run on the way to class.

Having a week to myself gave me the time I needed to relax.

As much as I would have loved to spend the week tanning, swimming, and walking along a warm beach, I wouldn’t trade my quiet, restful spring break for anything. I had no commitments, schedule, or assignments. I could spend the day with myself, working on a new design project, watching movies, listening to music as loud as I wanted, or paying a visit to an old family friend.

After spending part of the week reading, relaxing, and catching up on DVR recordings (thank you to my parents for not deleting “Grown-ish”), I finally felt like I had time to breathe and unwind after finals. In college, we work ourselves so hard. From late-night cram sessions to early morning lectures and nonstop weekend plans, it’s difficult to realize when your body needs a break (or a nap).

And I definitely needed the break. College life is hard, and giving myself a few days of calm will help me start spring quarter off on the right foot.

I also got to spend time with my pets.

Which, as you probably know, is a blessing. Between classes, studying, and going out on weekends, it’s hard to schedule an hour-long cuddle-sesh with your animals. But this quiet break was the perfect time to curl up on the couch and read while my crazy cat rolled around next to me.

No matter what your spring break plans are, remember it's OK to not have an international adventure — or any kind of plans for that matter.

Take joy in having time for yourself and escaping the ever-busy social calendar of college. As for me, I'll be spending my last few days of spring break hoping for a bit of sun (or at least a day without rain) and cherishing the quiet moments before heading back to Bellingham.