At the end of the Spring 2018 semester, I broke my ankle. It was pretty severe; I had to have surgery and return home. As I healed over the summer, I was left with a big decision: was I going to return to school for the fall or stay at home? My whole heart wanted to return, but rationally, I knew that being on campus would be too difficult while I was relearning to walk (exclusively taking T up and down Comm Ave did not seem like a great solution). So, I decided to take a semester off.
Surprisingly, I ended up loving my time at home. I worked at two amazing internships in Philly, so I did not feel like I was falling behind professionally. I had time to fall in love all over again with Philadelphia. I spent extra time with my family (and pets). And, most importantly, I found an extra few months to focus on my health and happiness. It turns out, taking a little break was exactly what I needed.
I don’t recommend that everyone break their ankle. But, if you are thinking about taking time off, you don’t have to be afraid. I am still going to graduate on time. I am planning to study abroad. My friends stayed in touch the entire time I was away. Staying off campus gave me space and time I needed to physically and mentally recover, which set me up for a successful return. I came back to Boston feeling so refreshed and optimistic.
If there’s any lesson to gain from this experience, I think it’s to slow down and be honest with yourself – are you spending enough time on your health and happiness? If the answer is no, just know there are many on and off campus resources to help you. And if you’re like me and need a break, that is okay too! Take care of yourself <3
At the end of the Spring 2018 semester, I broke my ankle. It was pretty severe; I had to have surgery and return home. As I healed over the summer, I was left with a big decision: was I going to return to school for the fall or stay at home? My whole heart wanted to return, but rationally, I knew that being on campus would be too difficult while I was relearning to walk (exclusively taking T up and down Comm Ave did not seem like a great solution). So, I decided to take a semester off.
Surprisingly, I ended up loving my time at home. I worked at two amazing internships in Philly, so I did not feel like I was falling behind professionally. I had time to fall in love all over again with Philadelphia. I spent extra time with my family (and pets). And, most importantly, I found an extra few months to focus on my health and happiness. It turns out, taking a little break was exactly what I needed.
I don’t recommend that everyone break their ankle. But, if you are thinking about taking time off, you don’t have to be afraid. I am still going to graduate on time. I am planning to study abroad. My friends stayed in touch the entire time I was away. Staying off campus gave me space and time I needed to physically and mentally recover, which set me up for a successful return. I came back to Boston feeling so refreshed and optimistic.
If there’s any lesson to gain from this experience, I think it’s to slow down and be honest with yourself – are you spending enough time on your health and happiness? If the answer is no, just know there are many on and off campus resources to help you. And if you’re like me and need a break, that is okay too! Take care of yourself <3
BU Resources:
http://www.bu.edu/shs/behavioral-medicine/behavioral-resources/
http://www.bu.edu/scnc/all-services/
http://www.bu.edu/shs/wellness/general-health-programs/wellness-program-kits/
