For some, Reading Days are a time for intense studying and catching up with work.  For others, the days off are a cherished time to throw everything behind, just once in a busy semester. Most students have to find a balance between studying and relaxing.

The days off, Oct. 14 and 15, came as a welcome break after last year, when students trudged through two 12-week terms without Reading Days or February break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stevan Bajski, ’25, had to stay on campus instead of going home to Serbia.

“I have to catch up on work from my Japanese class. I also have a Chemistry test on Monday,” Bajski said prior to Reading Days.

Bajski attended varsity basketball tryouts and recalled how his studying ended up going after the break.

“I did homework, but not fully,” Bajski joked. “I failed the test, but I finished watching ‘Boruto.’”

Elena Lee, ’25, went home to Pennsylvania to take her history midterm, do readings and finish an essay that were all due at the end of the Reading Days. 

Luckily, she said she was able to finish her work and spend time with her older brother who also returned home.

Da’zhona Clark, ’24, planned to study for her biology, genetics and organic chemistry  courses instead of going home to Georgia.

“I have no car, I can’t go anywhere. My friends who can drive went home,” Clark said. Kristina Lozinskaya, ’22, from Belarus, planned  to  use  her  days  off  to  read  and prepare for an economics midterm.

When Lozinskaya found out her exam was open-book, she felt relieved and found  time to relax in bed and go to the gym to work out.

“I definitely had enough rest, but wished [the break] was longer,” Lozinskaya said.