A Holiday Party
As seniors, my friends and I are trying to fit a lot of fun in the little time left that we have at Vanderbilt. Therefore, despite the copious amounts of papers and exams that we all have this week, we decided to take a break and celebrate. We celebrated the holidays, the end of our last fall semester, and my friend’s birthday.
Our party was pretty elaborate, especially considering that it was in a Towers suite. My friends assembled and decorated a Christmas tree complete with ornaments, lights and Mardi Gras beads. We all baked special holiday desserts and we bought a cake with a picture of the birthday girl on it. We had a blast singing along to the holiday music while taking a much needed study break.
Although I was the only Jew at the party, I made a special point to celebrate the last night of Chanukah. I lit the menorah, and my friends asked me to say the prayers. I was surprised, but honored by their curiosity and willingness to participate in my traditions. Then, I taught everyone how to play dreidel. Beginner’s luck was nowhere to be found as I won by a landslide. I like to think its because I’m a chosen one. But, more likely, they got bored before I could start losing.
After sufficiently stuffing my face and getting my seasonal fix, I was forced to return to studying. This was just the first of what will probably be many study breaks this finals season. But, as a senior, I have finally realized to value all that I have learned even more than my grades. Of course, I will study my hardest and do my best, but at the end of the day, college, and life, are about more than just test scores. Between the interesting material of my classes and the fun breaks with friends, I am confident that my studying won’t be totally dreadful.
