A Much Needed Break
At the end of every grading period, life gets very stressful for students. Freshman and juniors are tired from their first quarter of high school, sophomores have the pre-ACT coming up, and seniors are overwhelmed from college applications. Most students will agree that a break at this point in the year is not just wanted, but a necessity.
Having a chance to enjoy themselves without the pressure of schoolwork, students did all sorts of fun and exciting activities over the break. Senior Baier Brooks, spent his long weekend getting backstage to watch live music. Furnace Fest is an alternative music festival that takes place at Sloss Furnaces. It typically includes metal, hardcore, and emo bands with three stages to see bands at all day. Baier’s fondest memory of his Fall Break wasn’t at the festival, but at another show held in Lee’s Coffee. He explains that “Poison the Well, a giant in the hardcore scene, had announced a show with a three hour notice. Immediately once the show was announced, 1,500 people were outside the coffee shop begging to get in.” Reportedly it was an incredible show, with people jumping off of a balcony and crowdsurfing. “It was awesome seeing one of my favorite bands at such an up-close and humble level,” Baier recounts.
Other students had more relaxing breaks. Carlo Chambers, another senior at Vestavia Hills, spent his weekend “mostly in town at [his] house.” One of the beauties of school breaks is that it’s up to you what you do with your time. A calm, relaxing break from the busyness of school is often unappreciated because most students plan trips and adventures. Spending time with family and recharging your battery can be equally as fun and important.
Fall Break being at the beginning of fall usually means that the weather is perfect, not too hot or cold. However, this year was a little different. On Friday, October 9th, the first day of Fall Break, Hurricane Isaias touched down on Alabama soil, headed north through the state. Many people had to cancel plans such as beach trips or flights, and most of the state was advised to stay inside. Some people didn’t heed the warning however; like Reece Hollingsworth, a senior at Vestavia Hills. Reece spent his weekend in a tent with a group of friends, facing off the weather. “The most fun thing, but also the scariest thing was Friday night,” Reece explains. “My friends and I were under the impression that the storm was hitting Saturday,” but “the storm actually hit Friday night while we were trying to sleep. It kept us awake pretty much the whole night. It was still fun because I was with my friends.”
While Fall Break this year may have steered a lot of plans off-course, hopefully it was still a restful and enjoyable experience for the students of Vestavia Hills, filled with laughter, good memories, and much needed sleep.
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