Christmas time is supposed to be a time when all students take a
break. There is a certain problem with the concept of vacation,
empty time.
Teachers have monopolized on this huge reservoir of time, not
without good reason. Book reports, math problems, book readings,
newspaper articles: They haunt you. I had to read
”
Catch 22
”
on my vacation. It is definitely a step in the right direction,
but to call it a break is simply absurd. Often times for me, it is
actually more stressful during the holidays, with family and
all.
Christmas time is supposed to be a time when all students take a break. There is a certain problem with the concept of vacation, empty time.
Teachers have monopolized on this huge reservoir of time, not without good reason. Book reports, math problems, book readings, newspaper articles: They haunt you. I had to read “Catch 22” on my vacation. It is definitely a step in the right direction, but to call it a break is simply absurd. Often times for me, it is actually more stressful during the holidays, with family and all.
Students at Anzar have a little extra to look forward to after their so-called vacation. They must then take a two-week-long class on the subject of their choice. This period, called Intersession, is designed to spark interest in certain fields.
For example, last year I volunteered to student teach. I went to Aromas School every day to help. I learned many valuable techniques for talking to little buggers. I learned from a certain teacher that the prime advantage to being a teacher is that they get summer vacation off.
For Intersession this year, I am locked into forensic studies. I spent most of my birthday watching taped episodes of “CSI” (as instructed prior to recess).
Much like the exhibition course, this spent time is highly controversial. Personally, I enjoy this extra break from the usual swing of things, although I could easily side with the opposition.
Did you ever notice that certain people always get sick during Christmas vacation? This is somewhat ironic when the average student only gets 3.7 sick days per year, as opposed to the 12 sick days people get on vacation time. I, by some miracle, survived with only a minor cough even though I still have more than a week remaining to become infected.
My brother received a round of applause as he vomited out of our van’s window. I don’t think he hit anyone, but it’s impossible to be sure. My sister is now recovering from a high temperature and severe whining. Mother is drinking Diet 7-Up like there’s no tomorrow. My father is extremely lucky – all he received was a bashed toe when he fell down the stairs. People just can’t stop filling each other with Christmas cheer.
What is good about Christmas vacation? Well, you get to go places, spend time with friends, possibly sleep in a little, maybe dust off some old video games, see “Lord of the Rings III,” stuff yourself with whatever you can grab – “Goodbye toes, see you in September” (Homer Simpson). Who knows, you might even enjoy yourself.
It would seem that the only true vacation is during the summer, even though we are pressured to work and earn a little money. At least we have our choice of what to do; that is something to look forward to.
In actuality, the only true vacation is death, but who wants that? It is a continuing paradox of pleasure versus the future. But do not worry, it will all be over soon – when you retire, in which case you will wish you had something to do.
Andrew Dynheson is a junior at Anzar High School.
