Spring break is a time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your well deserved time off. It's time to catch up on sleep, see your family and friends. With so many things to do, people to see, and time to relax, all the different people on the office perfectly describes every step of spring break.
Welcome back
Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends
or
LOG IN WITH FACEBOOKNo account? Create one
Recommended for you
Student LifeMar 07, 2017
Stages Of Spring Break Shown By 'The Office'
When you eat real food instead of nasty dining hall food.
14
2. When you see the person that is picking you up.
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Subscribe to our
Newsletter
Lifestyle
5 Benefits Of Learning Different Languages
It's a pain to learn but it's definitely worth it in the end.
6h
774
a2zli
When I was learning how to talk, I was taught both Portuguese and English at the same time. In elementary school, I started taking mandatory Spanish classes, which I did well in because of my knowledge of Portuguese. Then in high school, on top of taking Spanish, I also started taking French. Now, in college, already fluent in English and Portuguese, I'm in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish, and I have a standard high school level understanding of French.
All my life there has been many people who been involved in a variety of languages. My mom is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. I remember her trying to learn Arabic when I was younger and she used to know German. My dad is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish while managing well enough with English. My step mom is fluent in Spanish and English, and has learned Portuguese since dating my father. Because of them and others, my environment has always been conducive to learning multiple languages.
Up until I started working in high school, I took all of this for granted. However, I soon learned there were significant benefits to knowing more than just English. Anyone that knows one or more languages than English understands how satisfying these reasons are.
1. Helping people who don't speak English.
At work, on the streets, in a grocery store, or literally anywhere else, there are moments when people who don't speak English struggles with their surroundings. Trying to speak to someone who doesn't understand their native language, looking for directions, or asking for help with something becomes difficult for them and frustrating. For example, I was on break at work once and while passing the food station, a man was trying to order a meal in Spanish. The cashier didn't understand Spanish and saw me passing by, so he asked me to help since he knew I understood and spoke Spanish. It's always made me feel really great being able to help others through using other languages.
2. Understanding what people are saying when they don't realize you do.
This definitely includes when they're talking about you. The feeling of satisfaction and self-pride when you can shock people by pointing out that, "hey I know exactly what you're saying about me," is probably my favorite reason on this list. It's also really fun hearing people gossiping about others, whether you know who those other people are or not. You could be in a completely normal setting, like a hair salon, and one haircut later, you know all about how your hairdresser's sister just got divorced and now there's a nasty custody battle going on to see who gets the kids. It's highly entertaining to hear about the lives of others without them knowing, even if we're aware that it's kind of messed up and makes us seem nosy.
3. More job opportunities.
This is heard all the time when our parents, teachers, and advisers tell us we need to learn a foreign language in school. Sure it gets annoying to hear, but it's also really true. Knowing languages can open up more job opportunities because employers look for people who can either bring a more diverse group to them or who can keep up with the diverse group they already have coming in. Most jobs can be helped or expanded through the knowledge of other languages, and some even have it as a job requirement. Knowing more than just the English language puts you at a higher advantage than other applicants.
4. Connecting to more people.
When you go to a foreign country and find someone that speaks English, it's the best feeling in the world. You don't feel so alone anymore! The same thing applies to when people from foreign countries or when people who don't speak English come here. It feels like they've finally found something familiar in a sea of the unknown. Knowing languages also allows for you to connect to more people through also learning their culture. Cultures all over the world are vast and unique, and by connecting to someone through their language, you're able to discuss the culture of their country and can compare it to your own culture. It's always really intriguing learning about the experiences others have had in their homelands, and being told about those experiences brings you closer to those people.
5. Vacations become much less stressful.
Obviously, this depends on where you go, but if you go somewhere that you know the language, then it holds true. Besides relaxing by the beach, one of the top things people do when they're on vacation is going sightseeing. At one time or another (or maybe every vacation), it happens that you get lost while on your way to places you're dying to see. Having trouble communicating in a foreign country is one of the biggest worries when traveling, besides safety. No need to worry about that anymore when you understand the language can read road signs and maps, and can speak to natives about the culture of their country.
Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle
Why Thanksgiving Shouldn't Get Shafted, As Told By Disney
Let the turkey have his day, man.
13h
597
Deviantart
I am without a doubt one of those people who refuses to start decorating for Christmas or listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has become an underrated holiday over the years. You barely see any Thanksgiving decorations in stores; it's like they skip right from Halloween to Christmas.
Here are some reasons why Thanksgiving is still bomb, illustrated by some of our favorite Disney characters:
1. You get to spend time with your family.
No matter how much your family may annoy you, you know deep down that you love them. Any time you get to spend with your family should be cherished.
2. It's the one day of the year where you can stuff yourself and feel no guilt.
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin pie...you want to skip right all over that stuff? No, that's what I thought.
Remember: Thanksgiving calories don't count.
3. You get to go home from school.
Whether you get a full week off for Thanksgiving or just a few days, it still means you have the opportunity to take a break from stressing about classes. And you get to see your dog, what's better than that?
4. It's fall's last hoorah.
Goodbye flannels and cute booties. Goodbye pumpkin spice everything and the beautiful red and orange leaves. Goodbye sweater dresses and goodbye not wearing a coat when you go outside. Thanksgiving is like the going away party for fall.
5. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Truly a staple in the American household for Thanksgiving morning.
6. There really isn't that long of a wait for Christmas after Thanksgiving.
Just be patient, Christmastime will be in full swing once Thanksgiving is over and the wait isn't that long. Also let's be real-- it will start snowing soon and the cold weather will approach us, something most people like to hold out on anyway.
7. Thanksgiving makes you think about what you're thankful for.
Even though you should appreciate what you have all the time, some people don't really think about it until Thanksgiving when everyone else is doing it. I guess it's better late than never, but you should always be thankful for what you have.
Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle
8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break
Nothing says "Thanksgiving break" like never changing into real clothes all day.
18h
408
Becco
Some universities only get two or three days off for Thanksgiving break. Or, if your university is like mine, you get the whole week off go go home. A whole week off is a long time. I'm not complaining, because I'd rather have a whole week off than three days, but there is a lot of down time. Here are some ideas as to what you can do to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break.
1. Reunite with friends from high school
The Thanksgiving break of my freshman year of college was when I really got to see which of my high school friends I actively wanted to be friends with after graduation and which I was friends with only because I was in classes with them for four years straight. With these friends, it can be fun comparing our daily lives from different colleges and reminiscing on how awful high school was. Go to a coffee shop and catch up!
2. Go to the gym
Because there's truly nothing more exciting than running into that guy from your graduating class who posts snapchat stories of him lifting weights at your local gym in order to try and impress the ladies. But also, Thanksgiving meal carbs. Ugh.
3. Start a new Netflix show
Take a break from all that homework I know you're getting ahead on. Find a new show that you can binge watch during your vacation.
4. Sleep
We all know there's never enough of that in college.
5. Cook
Because sometimes in college you don't have access to vegetables/fruit/a kitchen.
6. Organize your home closet for the month's-worth of clothes you'll be taking back with you for Christmas break
If you think the three suitcases I took home with me for this one week of Thanksgiving break is too much...think about how many clothes I'll bring back home with me in a few weeks.
7. Start making your Christmas list
All of the holiday gift ads are coming out this week!
8. Or start shopping for your family/friends' presents
With all that money that a typical college student has, right?
Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships
5 Simple Ways To Keep Your Relationship Happy
Have we all heard the saying "happy wife, happy life?"
27 November
8325
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash
Your relationship doesn´t have to be full of exchanges of lavish gifts. You do not have to go on elaborate dates and try crazy things. While those are great for a relationship, there are much simpler ways to ensure a happy and stable union.
1. Don´t overthink.
I must say that this is very common among partners. Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of the truth between the both of you. Although your love may be strong, this may also cause you to become insecure. This insecurity may be about things that might not even exist. This may stem from personal insecurities, but I do think that a lot of people start thinking things like "What if he/she doesn´t love me?" At that point, thoughts like that can possibly negatively affect the relationship. Whenever it happens, make sure to shift your focus to the good and beautiful things in your relationship instead.
2. Talk things out instead of having a heated argument.
There are different ways to solve your problems. It is best that you avoid confrontation that is toxic and full of anger. Focus on what the problem is and see how you both can reach an agreement. Arguing and screaming at one another does make both of you feel really bad and can put a slight dent on the healthiness of the relationship. Sit with your partner and talk things out. It is not easy to do, but you will find that it will make you both happier and more understanding of one another.
3. Pay attention to your partner.
THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. People may think that gifts and huge proclamations of love may be the key to a good relationship, but I believe that it is much more simple than that. The most important thing is for your partner to KNOW that you love them and to see that you truly care about them. You don´t avoid them and you make them a priority. If you're with a person, they should become a priority and they shouldn't have to question your motives.
4. Show interest in things they care about.
My boyfriend and I don't share similar interests. We don't necessarily have to, though, to make things work. It wasn't too easy at first because I really have zero interest in half of the things he does, but my appreciation and deep love for him made me want to understand him more. He does the same for me and this has greatly improved our relationship. So, if you really don't seem to have much in common with your partner, make sure you give them some time to show you what they love.
5. Express your love verbally.
My boyfriend is the type to keep things within. He's not the biggest fan of romance or verbally expressing love. But I am the opposite. Sometimes it hurts my feelings because I just work differently than he does. We spoke about it, and he has tried to be better at expressing his love for me. This has also improved our feelings about one another. Telling your partner what you feel is significant can make you guys even closer than before.
Keep Reading...Show less
Thought Catalog
As we have now passed the halfway point of the semester, work still seems to be piling up and we all seem to feel a little extra drained. Sometimes it seems like college does not take a rest and you are constantly going, going, going. Being productive and working hard is important, but there is nothing wrong with looking forward to the wonderful holiday season. Luckily, Thanksgiving break is just around the corner! With this wonderful holiday coming up, it is definitely time to start being thankful for all you have in life, take in the beauty of Fall around you, and start getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Eating great home cooked food
Nothing (in my opinion) is better than Mom's home cooking, especially with all the wonderful Thanksgiving foods to think about. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, what could be better?
2. Seeing your family and friends!
Reuniting with all your hometown loved ones is a great time. You can finally catch up after not seeing them for so long!
3. Black Friday Shopping (if you're daring enough)
Getting some great deals, possibly being a little aggressive, and burning off some calories from Thanksgiving dinner is a total win-win situation.
4. Getting into the holiday spirit
For me, once Thanksgiving break hits it really starts to feel like the holiday season, easily one of the best times of the year.
5. Catching up on all your favorite shows
It is hard to keep up with your tv shows while you are in the midst of a busy semester, therefore break is the perfect time for some guilt-free Netflix binging (and some eating too).
6. The simple fact of knowing you have made it way past the halfway mark of the semester and only have a bit more to go!
Yes, finals are difficult, but only a few weeks left! You can do it!
7. It is socially acceptable to start listening to Christmas music
Personally, I'm an avid believer in listening to Christmas music whenever you feel the time is right, but traditionally the day after Thanksgiving marks the start of playing the wonderful Christmas tunes on the radio. Easily, one of the best parts of the holiday season.
Keep Reading...Show less
Trending Topics
Songs About Being 17
Grey's Anatomy Quotes
Vine Quotes
4 Leaf Clover
Self Respect
Top Creators
1. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society
2. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook
3. Kristen Haddox, Penn State University
4. Jennifer Kustanovich, SUNY Stony Brook
5. Clare Regelbrugge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
