As midterms come to an end and the leaves on campus begin to change, students are counting down the days until a much-needed break. With only Thursday and Friday off, fall break isn’t long enough for a full vacation, but for many, it’s just the right amount of time to recharge.
“Honestly, I’m just excited to go home and see my family,” senior Bradley Kofoed said. “After exams and golf practice, I’m going home and sleeping in and probably watching football.”
Many students on campus plan to go home. Sophomore Natalie Collins said she intends to go home and work in a haunted house.
“It’s a tradition I do every year. Family friends have a big haunted house for the town and I dress up and scare people,” she said.
Collins also looks forward to seeing her pets and hometown friends.
Some students are seeking adventures in Des Moines as well.. Popular attractions this fall include Howell’s Pumpkin Patch or Sleepy Hollow’s Haunted Scream Park.
Senior Grace Pullman has plans for a day adventure.
“I’m going to a haunted pumpkin patch during the day and then a haunted house afterwards, ” she said.
Sports fans are also excited for another weekend of football. Some students are traveling to Iowa City to watch the University of Iowa game against Northwestern University Saturday.
Senior Joann Martin said she’s travelling to the game. She plans on tailgating and watching the Hawkeyes win.
Though not all students are leaving campus, as some athletes are staying to prepare for their upcoming seasons. The men’s basketball team began this Wednesday, with their first game only a couple weeks away.
Practices will continue throughout the break, so students who live far from home won’t be able to go home.
Junior Brady Connor said, “I’m sad I don’t get to see my family but I’m excited for the season to start.”
Connor also said campus is calm and quiet during break since most students go home.
“It’s kind of peaceful,” he said.
Along with basketball, Men’s and women’s swimming and diving have meets Oct. 18 and 19, respectively, and men’s and women’s soccer play against Buena Vista University. Football and women’s volleyball also have away games Saturday, and cross country has an away meet Friday. These schedules are keeping student athletes traveling and busy.
Those staying in Indianola can also find activities to do in town. City horticulturist Angie Buchanan is harvesting flowers in Buxton Park, as the flower beds are cleared out for the winter season. Attendees can bring a vase and make a bouquet of flowers. The event is free and takes place Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.
Whether students are attending sporting events, practicing, or relaxing at home, the long weekend is a much-needed detox from the stress of everyday life. With crisp fall air in the forecast, a fall break sounds like the perfect plan.
