As the Fall 2024 semester comes to a close, Temple University students are preparing to leave campus for winter break, each with different plans for how they’ll spend their time off. For many, it’s a mix of relaxation, work, and making new memories before the spring semester begins.
For senior Karan Yereni, a risk management major at the Fox School of Business, winter break offers a chance to travel after a productive semester. As a member of the Entrepreneurial Student Association, Yerneni has been busy rebuilding the organization and bringing in exciting guest speakers. Now, he’s taking a much-needed break in the form of an ambitious road trip. “I’m actually planning to drive across the country,” Yerneni shared. “So that should be interesting.”
Not all students are traveling, though. Some are using the break to focus on work or side projects. Kelcey Greene, a biology major, will be balancing her job at Target with shadowing a dentist to gain hands-on experience at a dental office. Similarly, international business student Jennifer Keown plans to focus on her small business selling handmade charms. “I’m probably going to make more of these over winter break,” Keown said, even though she admitted she’s not thrilled about this year’s shorter break.
This year’s winter break runs from December 17th to January 13th, which is notably shorter than previous years. While many students are eager to relax, the shortened break has sparked some disappointed reactions. “Not really the happiest about it,” Keown commented.
For some members of the Temple community, the break isn’t about going home. International students who remain on campus have resources available to them through Temple’s Global Engagement Office. Leah Hetzell, Director of International Student Affairs, shared how the office continues to support students during the university’s closure.
“So we have @GlobalTemple as our social media handle,” Hetzell explained. “We’ve made it a point to put up information about what will be going on—big events and things like that happening in Philadelphia. We won’t really take a break from that.”
Students who need more information can visit the Global Engagement Office at Conwell Hall. These resources ensure that everyone, regardless of where they’re from, has the chance to enjoy their time off and explore what Philadelphia has to offer its people.
Winter break isn’t just a time to unwind, but it’s also a chance to reflect on the work done throughout the semester. As the campus empties and students say their goodbyes, Temple looks forward to welcoming its Owls back for the 2025 Spring semester.
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