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Student to student: Expectations vs. reality on winter break

December 20, 2017 By Emily Hamer

With the last few exams wrapping up, winter break is almost here.

For many of us, winter break is a time to relax, spend time with family and enjoy all winter-related things. For others, we see it as a time to get stuff done and accomplish our goals.

Either way, you probably have some expectations going into break, but a lot of times reality shreds those expectations. Here are some things you might expect or hope to happen over break, and some more pessimistic realities you might run into. (We hope your expectations are fulfilled, though).

Expectation:

Reading a bunch of books since you finally have time to read for fun instead of for school.

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Reality:

Starting a new TV show and binge-watching the entire thing.

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Expectation:

There will be a beautiful snowfall because of the winter storm coming through and you’ll get to play outside making snowmen, having a snowball fight or going sledding.

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Reality:

It never snows and everything remains barren and sad. 

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Expectation:

Going to a New Years Eve party and getting forced to do karaoke, but then getting paired with your future soulmate. You share a beautiful moment, but leave before getting to talk to them. When you come back to school at UW–Madison, you realize they’re in your economics class.

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Reality:

Watching the ball drop on TV with your family  

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Expectation:

Starting a workout schedule since you have so much free time.

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Reality:

Staying inside because it’s cold and to get to the gym you’d have to step outside for at least a little bit

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Expectation:

Having free time to hang out with all of your friends

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Reality:

Sitting alone in your parent’s house because all your friends are now from UW–Madison

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Expectation:

Spending nice, quality time with your family

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Reality:

Listening to or taking part in awkward family arguments about politics, religion, etc.

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Expectation:

Eating nice home cooked meals made by your parents every single night

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Reality:

Eating potato chips and Ramen while watching TV 

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Expectation:

Getting ahead on your required readings for your classes

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Reality:

Not even buying your books until the first week of classes

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