Fall Break Thoughts

We’re deviating from our normal schedule and publishing our weekly message on Thursday of this week, so you have it in time for Fall Break, rather than Monday.

Fall Break begins on Saturday and runs through Monday and Tuesday (October 13-14). Here are some thoughts for you:

If your Deac is home for Fall Break

Return their bedroom to its prior state (e.g., if you have turned their room into a spare office or exercise room, put your clothes in their closet, etc.) They will want their room to feel like their room.

Let them sleep in. They are likely tired – most of our students seem to get less sleep than they need.

Cook their favorite meals/have favorite snacks on hand. And if you live in a region of the US with distinct cuisine your Deacs can’t get in W-S, ask your Deac if there are foods from home they are craving (for example, I grew up outside of Philly and as good as my mom’s cooking was, I still wanted to get a cheesesteak when I was home, since I can’t get authentic ones here).

Don’t be offended if they want to spend time with friends from home. It is likely that your Deacs need to check in with those friends to make sure the friendships are still strong (whereas they already feel secure in their relationship with you).

Manage any discomfort you might feel with real or perceived assertions of their independence. They have been living on their own and have been making all their own decisions, and it can be hard to go home and have to navigate familial expectations.

Spoil your students a little, tell them you are proud of them and that you love them.

If your Deac is staying in town for Fall Break

There are lots of options of things to do in town – or you can do some of these things the next time you come to Winston-Salem!

Take a hike – within about 45 minutes’ drive from campus is Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock, two great state parks. Closer to home, taking the walking path from campus to Reynolda Village is great – and there is a lovely walk around the green field fronting Reynolda House Museum that is terrific.

See an indie flick – a/perture is a theatre downtown that shows independent films, documentaries, and foreign films.

Eat something great – and there are a lot of choices here. Some of my favorites are: Cin Cin (amazing burgers), Camino Bakery (coffeehouse with great bread and pastries and a good hangout spot), Mozelle’s (beautifully done Southern bistro food), The Porch (Tex Mex with queso to die for). There are other restaurants recommended by current families. You can Venmo or Zelle your Deac a little money for a nice meal perhaps.

Explore the urban campus – visit Wake Downtown and Bailey Park – if your Deac has not discovered our downtown campus and all its wonderful green spaces, Fall Break would be a great time to try it. I am a big fan of Cugino Forno which is right near Bailey Park (incredible Neapolitan style pizza). Wake has shuttle service to downtown Winston-Salem (though they will want to check its Fall Break operations).

Get your art on – students get in to Reynolda House Museum of American Art for free, or can browse the galleries on the Arts District on Trade street downtown.

Take time for self-care – not having class means that students have time to sleep late, do yoga or get gentle exercise, meditate, listen to music, or whatever else helps recharge their batteries.

Plan ahead for campus services and food – with many students going home, there are typically changes to dining locations and hours of operation. Your Deacs should check the Fall Break hours of operation website well in advance and be sure they are aware of hours at their favorite locations, and make plans accordingly.

Call or text them to tell them you are proud of them and that you love them.

Wishing all our Deacs a happy Fall Break, and safe travels to those who will be leaving campus!