By: Merob Geleto

Spring break is a one to two week academic holiday for schools and universities during March or April. The purpose of spring break is so that students can get away from school responsibilities before finals. For Highland students, our spring break started on April 6. Our spring break lasted for only a week just like most schools. But is one week really enough time for a break that is supposed to replenish students?

The period between New Year’s and April (2 & 3 quarters) is usually the hardest time (academic wise) in the school year.  Most students are overwhelmed because of the amount of work that is being thrown at them so around March and April is when academic burnout becomes more of a reality. A single week isn’t enough to actually “reset” and overcome that burnout.

Many students use spring break to travel with family and friends but 7 days is very limiting especially for those who attend school far from home.  A two-week break provides better opportunities for vacations and hangouts.

Unlike most students, teachers have a lot of grading and work to catch up on. The more grading a teacher has to do, the less time spring break can be about replenishing themselves. With a two week break, teachers would have enough time to grade, plan, and relax.

Although many people argue that more time away from school leads to “brain drain”, the opposite is true. Students are more likely to be exhausted when they come back to school after a rushed, one week break. A well rested student coming back to school from a two week break would usually be more motivated to work on final exams then a student who had only one week. The benefits of a longer Spring Break and having quality rest is something all students and teachers should experience.