henryaj@lopers.unk.edu

Snow, snow, and more snow. For the first time in UNK’s history an extra long winter break was given to the students and staff associated with the University. 

This called for a longer period of time spent with family, and an extended amount of time to prepare for upcoming events.  

“The plus side of the break was that I got to visit family,” said KeyShaun Van Dyke, a junior majoring in physical education. “I was in Houston for a week to see family and this was really important to me. With Covid this past year it was just important for me to see family because you never know the last time you might see them so you just have to cherish those moments.”

Covid-19 played a major role in the University’s decision to extend the winter break. However, the extension of winter break resulted in the cancellation of the 2021 spring break, one that many students look forward to. 

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, I think that students are upset that we are not having a spring break this year,” said Trey Janicek, UNK’s student body vice president. 

Janicek also said that students understand the current situations amid the Covid-19 pandemic and how harmful it could be to have students traveling back and forth and returning to campus.

Though some students may be disappointed that there will be no spring break this semester, there are some other positives to the longer break. 

Students were able to take an accelerated learning class that started at the beginning of January and ended shortly before the start of the spring semester. This gave students a chance to complete a couple more credits during the extra long winter break. 

The break also gave student athletes more time to prepare and focus on their season while relaxing and taking a break from school work. 

“I took advantage of the longer break, basically just getting myself prepared for this upcoming semester and focusing on ball,” said Sam Morris, a UNK senior majoring in business administration and member of the UNK mens basketball team.

This extra time also allowed student athletes to spend more time with their family.

“With a little extra time I was able to see family and hangout with my teammates more rather than just hanging with them on the court,” Morris said. “An opportunity I had with a longer break was time to reflect and regroup after a long year.” 

Not only did the longer break give students time to “regroup and reflect”, it also provided students with opportunities to plan for the future. 

With additional time added onto winter break, students were able to complete internships, travel and consider what they’ll be doing after graduation. 

“My most memorable moment of break was traveling to Hawaii to meet my new co-workers and see where I will be living and working after college,” Janicek said.

After a long winter break, students are now back on campus and ready to finish their studies for another studious semester at UNK.