The scene is easy to imagine. Students pile into the Bartle Library and mark their territory in the precious fourth floor study rooms. Some are hunched over computer monitors at the pods, showcasing robotic movements as they type furiously away. Caffeine has lost its effect, and maintaining hygiene is no longer a priority. It’s the week before finals, and all forms of life are put into overdrive, awaiting only the return home for winter break.
Yet once these finals have been dealt with, there is nothing more rewarding than coming home to family and friends for the holidays. It seems that good food and a comfy bed are all that is needed to enjoy the near six weeks away from school. However, many students will be just as busy during their winter recess as they have been preparing for finals.
Whether the motive is to catch up on credits or to pursue internships, many students are taking advantage of the winter session that is being offered through Binghamton University. Winter Session 2006 is a special term offering students an opportunity to take classes during the month of January. A total of 24 undergraduate courses and five graduate courses are being offered during this year’s program.
In conjunction with the winter session program, OCC (Off Campus College) is also offering internships during this period where students are able to gain experience in their field of study and receive credits. Students can choose which internships to apply for through the OCC listing of agencies, or look for one on their own.
Melissa Chan, a junior, was able to find an internship close to home in Flushing, Queens, where she will be working for New York State Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin (D-25). Chan, who aspires to study law, interned at McLaughlin’s office this past summer, which gives her a little more leeway.
“I called the office to ask if they could use some help over the winter break,” said Chan.
The OCC often encourages students to do the legwork like this when they are looking to do an internship close to home as opposed to in Binghamton.
The main reason Chan applied was the work experience, and to see for herself how the legislation process works. Chan expects to receive four academic credits upon completing this internship. The program requires she devotes at least 140 hours of her winter break to the internship. Chan plans on working 7 hour shifts for 20 days.
“It’s basically most of the vacation,” says Chan. “Hopefully I’ll be able to enjoy my break, but it doesn’t look likely.”
While students like Chan busy themselves with work and academics in order to aspire to become the next Donald Trump, others see their winter break as a time to “take a break,” and engage in leisurely activities, mating rituals, etc.
Oliver Hansen, a sophomore, is, like many of us, uncertain of his plans for winter break. Even so, he hopes to travel someplace warm.
“If nothing else,” says Hansen, “I’m going to try and ski a lot, and see lots of family and friends, of course.”
For those who just wish to get through finals, and more importantly, get out of Binghamton, going home to see family seems to be plan enough for this winter break.