The weather is getting colder. The leaves are changing color and falling to the ground. Midterms are upon us, students. This can only mean that fall break is approaching.

Fall break is that wonderful time of year where Guilford students get a week-long break from class, homework, and roommates. It is the point in the semester when students can take a step back from their mountains of work and breathe.

Students can travel to visit home or friends, stay in Greensboro, or go on an adventure and visit places they have not been before.

This year, many students are opting to go home for break.

“Fall break is a great time to go home because it is right in the middle of the semester,” said junior Jessica Mrugala. “I have time to enjoy myself while seeing family. A different pace is needed; it is healthy to get away from Guilford for a bit.”

First-year MJ Alrashidi will be visiting family as well, but not at home. He will travel to Boston to see his brother and friends.

“I’m excited to see my brother again,” said Alrashidi. “I haven’t seen him since I came to school.”

Some students are just traveling home with friends, while others are taking the opportunity to journey to more unique locations.

For instance, senior Emily Stewart will be spending her fall break looking at graduate programs in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Junior Anna Stoddard is venturing off to the Smoky Mountains with her Geology class.

“We are going to the mountains to prepare us for field camp,” said Stoddard. “We get to map out rock formations, travel with compasses, and hike; it is almost like an exciting and fun training session.”

Sometimes, however, students have to stay on campus for this week of freedom. For example, the athletes on the football, soccer, and volleyball teams are residing on campus because they are in mid-season.

“We leave later because we have practice and we come back to campus early because of tournaments,” said junior softball player Kate Fullerton.

Despite this, athletes do enjoy a limited October break.

“It’s like a long weekend with a lot of relaxing,” said Fullerton. “It does not bother me that my break is shortened. I enjoy spending time with the team. It is part of the commitment being an athlete.”

There are also options for students who choose to stay in Greensboro for the duration of the break.

An alternative fall break program, Rooting Ourselves in Greensboro (ROIG), does community service work at various sites in the Greensboro area.

This year, ROIG is planning to visit the Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, Timber Lake Farms, and possibly the Edible Schoolyard.

“The goal is to familiarize Guilford students with some aspects of Greensboro that may be hidden, through active service,” said sophomore Mandy Lu, student co-coordinator. “You really get to know people in the community that you wouldn’t know otherwise. It is always fun and exciting to getting to know people, work with them, and hear their ideas.”

“My favorite part about ROIG is learning and enjoying nature while giving back to the community,” said Early College at Guilford senior and student co-coordinator Patrice Brown.

Even faculty and staff get to enjoy the week-long fall break, although they may not be able to get away for an exciting trip like many students can.

“I don’t really get a break per se, but I will have extra time to work with (ROIG),” said Binford hall director Justin Shreve ‘11. “I’ll probably take a couple of days to catch up on reading and class work and just have some ‘me time.’ That doesn’t necessarily mean I’m glad most of the students are gone — it just gives me the chance to collect myself so I can work productively for the rest of the semester.”

I will be exploring on my fall break as well. I am making the long trip to the state of Ohio to ride the roller coasters in the well-known amusement park at Cedar Point.

Whether you are going home or on an adventure, or staying right here in Greensboro, enjoy your break. Take the time to relax and have a stress-free week away from school and homework, and most importantly, have fun.