I frequently look forward to long breaks between semesters because it gives me an opportunity to escape Ithaca and get back in touch with reality. To unwind, I try really hard to stay away from Facebook, Gmail and Cornell’s homepage.

I try, but I usually fail after about a day or two.

Something draws me back to this place. Something makes me start counting the days until I brave the four-hour drive from Northern New Jersey to Upstate New York. I find myself looking ahead to another great semester filled with stories and learning experiences.