Grace Jiang ‘24
FORMER STUDENT
One more week of midterms, and I might have been sent over the edge. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my short time in college so far, it’s that midterms don't actually happen in the middle of the term. (A misleading title, really.) The pressure builds, the stress intensifies, and the only thing keeping me going is the promise of Spring Break right around the corner. It’s come at just the right time.
As a student in Boston, I find myself in a bit of a travel limbo. The city is too far of a drive from home, but not worth the expensive, short plane ride. As a result, I choose the Amtrak Northeast Regional, which I fail to have a good track record with. The first time I took it, I managed to arrive at the platform ten seconds before the train pulled into the station. Today, I dragged my suitcase down a malfunctioning escalator at 9:32 a.m., just three minutes before my 9:35 a.m. train departs. Not ideal, but progress is progress.
Once I’m finally settled into my seat, I can finally breathe. Travel is always hectic, but there’s something about the peaceful hours spent on the train that allows me to reset. I let myself sit still, not worrying about deadlines or exams. For the first time in weeks, I don’t have to juggle a million things in my mind. I allow myself to do nothing.
When I was twelve, I had a very different picture of what college life would be like. Thanks to movies and my complete lack of exposure to college students at the time, I thought college was all about partying and, once you graduated, the “real world” began with a corporate job. However, college is far more than what I once thought. Yes, there’s freedom, but there’s also a lot of work, stress, and growth. It’s about learning, both Inside and outside the classroom, and navigating responsibilities that are unique to this phase of life. As the train rumbles along, inching closer to home with each passing stop, I find myself in a state of calm. There’s something grounding about heading home. College life, as exciting and fulfilling as it is, can be overwhelming. Midterms, assignments, endless to-do lists—they’re a constant undercurrent of stress that doesn’t always have an off switch. But when I’m on the train, heading home, I know that those responsibilities will still be waiting for me when I return. For now, I can leave them behind, even if just for a short while.
And as I step off the train and breathe in the familiar air of home, I realize that this break is more than just a time to rest. It’s a reminder of the peace and comfort that can only come from being surrounded by the people and places that know you best. College can be chaotic, but moments like this remind me that peace is always just a train ride away. For now, I’m going to enjoy the quiet before the storm of school picks up again.
