College is a busy time, and a journey filled with ups and downs. Although we wouldn’t trade these experiences and memories for the world, let’s face it: it can be hard to find time to relax, rest, and take time to focus on ourselves. Extended breaks and holidays are perfect opportunities to practice self-care. Below are five simple ways to help Honors students relax over spring break.

1. Sleep! This is definitely the most important on this list. Sleep is a necessity and often sacrificed in order for Honors students to fulfill other commitments and obligations. Take advantage of this time to regain energy, and your body and mind will thank you.
2. Spend some time outside. Whether it be taking your dog for a walk or going for a jog in the park, find time to be active. This will clear your mind and will help you come back to Meredith feeling refreshed and motivated to finish the second half of the semester.
3. Catch up with people you don’t see as much during the chaos of college. This may be your best friends from home, your parents, or your favorite teacher from high school. Hanging out with loved ones and others who support your endeavors will provide encouragement, which in turn will keep you in a positive mindset.
4. Schedule time away from the screen. People are spending more time than ever on social media, and technology is becoming a crucial part of day-to-day life. Although technology is fabulous, too much time on these platforms can, sadly, bring us down. It is essential to put away electronic devices in order for us to recharge and remind ourselves of our potential.
5. Explore the world around you! Projects, tests, and assignments can make it difficult for spontaneous travel to occur. Utilize spring break to travel near or far. Try out the new coffee shop in your hometown, spend a day at the beach, or drive across the country to adventure. Whatever the expedition may be, make the most of it by soaking in every second, and taking lots of pictures!

Happy Spring Break, Honors Angels! Enjoy your time off with friends and family, and congratulate yourself on all of your achievements so far this year!

The spring semester is in full swing here at Meredith. February is upon us, and with that comes a fun part of being an Honors student- participating in Scholars’ Weekend! Scholars’ Weekend will be held this coming weekend, Sunday, Feb. 17- Monday, Feb. 18. This is a time in which rising college students who are qualified and interested in the Meredith Honors Program, Teaching Fellows, and other scholarships interview and get a taste of what being a Meredith student is like. The co-chairs this year are freshman Barbara Barrier and sophomore Kim Schuh. Current Honors students are helping in a variety of ways, from hosting a student in their dorm overnight, to walking groups of students around to interviews and other events held throughout the weekend.

“Students can volunteer to be Group Leaders which lead groups of prospective students around according to their group’s schedule for the day.  Another option is an Interview Leader Escort, in which the student will take certain students to their interview room location. What is most important every year is the need for students to be Overnight Hosts!  Hosts will house one or two students overnight after the stressful yet exciting day of interviews for the prospective students is over.”

-Kim Schuh, Class of 2021

Many Honors students are excited about getting to welcome and meet some prospective new Honors sisters. Students remember when they interviewed at Scholars’ Weekend and may look back fondly on the experience.

“When I pulled through the front gate for Scholars’ weekend, I was the most excited, nervous, and anxious I’d even been. I had no idea what was waiting for me. Looking back, I remember it like it was yesterday. Everyone I met was so kind and spoke highly of Meredith. After being here for a year, I understand why they loved it so much. Being surrounded by so many smart and strong women for that weekend made me so excited to start my experience here.”

-Aly Henneberry, Class of 2022

Aly Henneberry, pictured at right, poses for the photo booth during Scholars’ Weekend 2018.

Students may also remember the day that they received their acceptance to the Honors program.

“That weekend I got a taste of just how special the people of Meredith College really are! I met a few fellow Class of 2021 members, but most of all, I discovered that Meredith is where I wanted to be. I was elated to receive my admission into the Honors Program, and my parents and I celebrated the achievement with a trip to the Meredith bookstore!”

-Ashleigh Murr, Class of 2021

Current students are excited to see what this year’s Scholars’ Weekend will bring, and are grateful to the Honors program for all of the opportunities this program has provided for them thus far!

As Honors students return to campus and adjust back to the hustle and bustle of college, many students are excited about what the new semester will bring, but also thankful for the time they were able to spend with friends, family, and loved ones. Below are excerpts from a few Honors students in which they discuss how they spent the holiday season.

“My holiday break was fun and relaxing! I went home to my family in Chapel Hill. We actually just moved, so it was the first time everyone was in the new house! Right before Christmas, we visited my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who all live in South Carolina. I enjoyed delicious food, fun games, and movies with hot cocoa. I even got to spend time with my friends and my cat, Moses!”

-Kristen Viera, Class of 2021

Kristen Viera, middle, is pictured with two of her relatives.

“I was at home in Willow Springs, NC for most of the holiday break.  My mom’s family is local (they live in Buies Creek and Raleigh), so we spent time with them on Christmas and on my grandmother’s birthday.  We also visited my dad’s family in South Carolina for a few days. Probably my favorite part of break was staying with my best friend at her house in Charlotte and meeting her adorable puppy, Avery.  All in all, it was a fun and relaxing break.”

-Jane Kelley, Class of 2019

Jane Kelley, standing second from right, poses for a photo with her family.

“Over the holiday break, I made sure to cherish every last moment of 2018 with my family and friends because soon I will be embarking on a 22 hour trip to study abroad for a semester in Sydney, Australia! Holiday break consisted of lots of laughter, cookies, and good times. Spending time with loved ones is truly what makes life magical!”

-Fareena Qamar, Class of 2020

Students: Keep Going Strong!! Happy New Year, and best of luck in all of your endeavors this semester!

Since 2015, twelve (12) Honors students have received a total of $35K in Honors study abroad scholarships for study in Denmark, England, France, Italy, and Mexico. Application materials for 2019 scholarships will be sent to Honors students in early December.

Today’s bloggers are Honors students Christa Soyars ’20 (Public Health / PSY) and Victoria Penna ’19 (BIO / PSY). Both are recipients of 2018 Honors study abroad scholarships and both are studying in Italy this very month! Read on . . .

After living in Sansepolcro for three weeks, I was reminded about how important it is to surround yourself with a community of supportive and encouraging people. From the moment I arrived, I felt so welcomed by everyone I met in this tight-knit community.

The author visits the medieval hilltop town of Anghiari, near Sansepolcro

Each week, we were fortunate to spend time learning about the Italian language, food, and festivals from a group of locals. From figuring out how to properly taste olive oil to watching the traditional Sbandieratori flag show, it was evident that the people of Sansepolcro truly care about each other, their community, and their culture.

During our travel break, I ventured off to nearby Siena. Learning how to travel independently was a liberating experience I will never forget! I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to travel all around Italy and realize how fortunate I am to have found a supportive community at Meredith College.

–Christa Soyars

This summer I was granted the opportunity to be a part of the Exploring Cultures Through Service program in Italy.  I had such an amazing experience while abroad.  I visited new cities, served in the community, tasted almost every gelato flavor, made

The author takes a break during her Exploring Cultures Through Service program

fantastic new friends, and so much more.

This was an experience I had been contemplating pursuing for a long time, and I am so thankful that I didn’t let my worries prevent me from missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Studying abroad gave me greater confidence as well as a global perspective that I would not have gained otherwise.

I am so thankful for the Honors Program, not only for awarding me with a scholarship to make this dream a reality, but also for molding me into a strong student able to take on the academic challenge of completing a three-week course while abroad.

–Victoria Penna

Coming later this year: a blog from Paris by Honors student Caroline Garrett and a couple more from London by Honors senior Mary Kolisnichenko.

By Mimi Mays

1. Hug a graduating senior. They’re only around for so much longer and you’ll miss them when they’re gone! Give one a hug, or a respectful handshake, and tell them how much they mean to you.
2. Fill out your course evaluations. Take a minute to express your gratitude to your faculty members, too! Or, give some constructive criticism. Both are appreciated.
3. Take a walk through the seniors’ tunnel. Besides being some likely-needed exercise, a trip to the tunnel is special because it’ll never be the same! Even in the fall before the next painting, you won’t have the same outlook or the same memories to reflect on between the cool cement walls.
4. Soak up the arts. Meredith arts programs have so much to offer this month: the play Marie Antoinette, the dance program’s Danceworks show, senior concerts, and more. Take a break from the books and cheer on (or politely applaud) your sisters.
5. Have a study picnic outside. Check the forecast first, of course, but if the clouds have cleared and the sun is shining, take advantage. Some fresh air and warm rays might do you—and your brain—some good.

By Mimi Mays

It would probably surprise most to hear that 20.27% of 2018 has passed since we rang in the new year! As tradition implores, many Honors students made resolutions for the new year, and some of us dutifully stayed their course while some of us were distracted by bigger and better things. Here are some Honors students’ resolutions and how they’ve weathered these 74 days.

Lauren Luke, Class of 2020

Lauren’s biggest resolution was to not consume any soda for as long as she could manage. Surprisingly to her, she’s actually stuck to it! Keep up the hard work.

Emily Chilton, Class of 2018

One of Emily’s resolutions was to read more for herself, particularly works outside her comfort zone. Her methods, including reading right before bed, have paid off, and she’s now reading more nonfiction than she had been.

Alexan Bailey, Class of 2019

Alexan made the resolution to go to the gym more, and for the first few weeks she was really making it work! But now that busyness has set in, she’s maintaining “Meredith Strong” more in academic pursuits than physical ones.

Katie Murphy, Class of 2018

Katie vowed to eat out at restaurants less, cooking more of her meals at home and always avoiding fast food. She and her roommate now cook dinner together twice a week, and she uses her weekends to prepare the week’s upcoming meals. She now eats out just two times a week, compared to 2017’s six times!

Emily Mitchum, Class of 2020

Emily made the unique resolution to say “sorry” only when genuine. She says it’s more difficult than she expected and that it has taught her a lot about the importance of language and its intent!

Kirby Forbes, Class of 2019

Kirby’s big 2018 goal was to journal weekly in her new devotion book. She’s succeeded every week, though sometimes it happens a little late. Sounds familiar, I admit! Good job keeping up.