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I am looking forward to completing my last course during J-term and then preparing to start my 16 weeks of student teaching!

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I realized that one of the things I miss most about being in a classroom is the daily interactions I have with my students and others. While I know I'll have this again, I tend to keep to my apartment if I don't have work. Being very studious and having high standards for myself, while also being a raging extrovert is difficult dichotomy to balance for me personally as a grad student. I really am looking forward to taking a deep breath and spending some time with my framily.

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I'll be going to Mexico for a few weeks to relax and travel with my girlfriend and her family. I'm very excited to get away to a warmer climate for a while!

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I'm off to Cuba for 10 days in the morning and I don't even have words for how excited I am to have a chance to travel for the first time in 2 years. I'm sure things I learned in this class will come to mind!

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I am looking forward to spending quality time with my husband and my children .I took 8 credits this semester  and I also had to prepare for student teaching  so this semester was pretty intense and busy .  I also plan on   inviting   my friends over for coffee / tea and just relax. Another  thing I want to do during this break is to bake  cookies and  other goodies  for  the Holidays .
Happy Holidays and best wishes to all! ( Anca)

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I really had no idea how mentally and emotionally exhausting 8 credits of grad school would be for me. I came so close to dropping a class several times; however, due to the kindness, understanding and patience of both profs (thank you, LeeAnne!) I finished both classes, and I'm so glad I did. :-)

I began a serious relationship in mid-September, just when the sheer time and effort needed to excel in both classes hit me! It wasn't planned; a friendship turned into something more. I very much look forward to spending more quality time with him, especially taking a trip to Snowshoe in WV --- the best skiing the East Coast has to offer, in my opinion. (If anyone's been there, or agree/disagree with my assessment feel free to chime in. :)

I won't be taking any classes next semester, except for the 0-credit one-day research seminar in May.  Best of luck to all in your journey, please stay in touch, especially those who live in or visit the DC area; I'd love to meet up. Happy holidays and a joyous New Year!
--Caroline

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I am very much looking forward to devoting some quality time to my daughter.  I took on 8 credits this semester, plus have a full time job and am on my own so her mom-time was a litte lacking these past couple months. But for the next two weeks I am completely hers!  Oh, and cleaning.  I will be doing some heavy duty cleaning!!!  Wow, I remember when school breaks consisted of binge drinking as much as possible until the next semester.  Am I an adult now?  :+)  Happy Holidays and best wishes to all!  (Carly)

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I am looking forward to coming to Minnesota for the holidays and reconnecting with family and friends.  I always get really excited about the airplane ride, the Starbucks coffee they serve, and just the feeling of heading home.  It will be nice to take a little break from the studies and focus on other reading, hobbies, and just relaxing for a while.  I also get a little break from teaching, which is always nice this time of year, too.  Have a great break, everyone! (Kyle)

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After this busy semester of grad school and a crazy half of the school year, all I want to do is relax and spend time with friends/family. Might spend a weekend in Duluth and enjoy my first Christmas being a Mrs. :) I see lots of Christmas movies in my future! (Rylee)

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I am in for some serious R&R after this first semester of grad school. That means lots of time in PJs and fuzzy socks --which, to be honest I spent a lot of time in while doing school work, but now I will not be in front of the computer all the time. I am looking forward to unplugging, reading books that are not assigned (as Shana mentioned), doing some writing, and getting out for some winter running.  More importantly, I will be getting my oldest son home from his first semester of college.

I am Sherry Weber Smith on Facebook and Linkedin if anyone wants to stay connected.

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I am looking forward to spending the holidays with my 6 month old niece, and then visiting my best friend  in Northern Minnesota and her 10 month old daughter (who I consider my other niece). We plan on making lots of Nordic baked goodies and doing lots of XC skiing when I visit. (Kylie)

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I am looking forward to having my oldest daughter come home from a year teaching English in Uruguay. She is a great sounding board for my musings and questions as I work through classes at Hamline, and I look forward to interesting discussions about issues that came up for her while teaching. Other than that, it will be baking, eating, taking walks and reading books that are not required! Happy Holidays everyone! (Shana)