There’s many students from the west coast at Penn. In fact, after Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, the state sending the greatest number of students to this institution is California. However, with the minimum 6 and a half hour flight distancing us from home, Thanksgiving Break can be pretty different for us relative to other students. Here is what I do at least:
1. The Day of Appointments
Since we can’t easily take a train ride home to get our bi-annual dental checkup for instance, the first day of every 4-day break for me is a series of at least 3 appointments. You’d be surprised to see how it all adds up from visiting the optometrist to the bank notary.
2. Being Fed
Whether your family traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving or not, chances are you miss home cooked food, and your parents are concerned about what you eat in the dining hall. My mom especially will make everything I like and will keep serving me more till I’m about to explode.
3. Catching up with Friends
There’s usually not much time for this since you’re pretty much in and out of the house in 3 days accounting for that long plane journey. Grabbing coffee at odd times is my way of maneuvering around all of the party invites and still having time for people.
4. Black Friday Shopping
I’m not too much of a shopper myself, but every time I come back from Penn, I feel like I need a lot of stuff. It’s the little things like furry socks that you don’t want to go to Center City for which add up and warrant a trip to the mall.
Ultimately, the break’s pretty short unless you live near the East Coast. However, it is still possible to take a few days to relax before all of the final projects and exams begin!
