BREAK TIME!

As the end of another semester rapidly approaches, many students have only one thing on their minds: winter break. The typical winter break is painted with ample amount of sleep, shopping and presents. Some students have come up with unique and fun ways to spend the valuable and much-deserved three weeks.

"I'm going [to] Snowshoe Mountain with my family. We've never been skiing before, [so] that's why we want to try it this break," said Alice Chan, a second-year Biomedical Engineering major.

Likewise, Kaliyana Finney also has traveling on her mind. "I'm going on a road trip with family and friends," said Finney, a second-year Civil Engineering major.

But for many, spending the break at home is definitely something to look forward to, especially for out-of-state students. Although a beach vacation and winter break do not really seem like a normal mix, they do to Diana Sosa, a third-year Civil Engineering major whose hometown is Miami, Florida.

"My family and I are thinking of going camping, but I'm definitely going to spend a lot of time by the beach this break," Sosa said.

For those who are staying in town this break, there are many intriguing events that are definitely worth checking out.

For example, despite the drought, Centennial Olympic Park's outdoor ice rink will be open throughout the month of December. Why not spend some time skating with family and friends and the rest of the day or night touring downtown Atlanta? Furthermore, the Park will also host its annual Holiday in Lights, where thousands of lights make up dazzling displays throughout the 21-acre park.

Also, there are a number of great concerts and performances happening around town. One should definitely check out Sister Hazel, who will be performing at the Roxy Theater in December, as well as a showing of The Nutcracker performed by the Atlanta Ballet.

In addition to going on trips and spending time with family and friends, some students have decided to utilize the break for something very productive, such as picking up a new skill.

"I've always wanted to learn to knit, so I think over the break I'm going to try to knit a scarf," said Rena Lee, a second year Management major.

Since winter break is often said to be a time of giving as well as receiving, those who would like to give back to the community can volunteer at the Soup Kitchen and the Atlanta's Day Shelter for Women and Children. Other opportunities for community service in the Atlanta area include Project Open Hand, which delivers meals to the sick and elderly, and Hosea Feed the Hungry, which provides meals for the homeless and needy on Christmas Day. However you spend your break, make sure to enjoy it!