As the Holy Cross community came back together this past month after enjoying the holiday season away, they began delving into all of the challenges and joys that come with the transition into second semester. 

Freshman Addison Ruszkowski had a pretty easy transition during this time, as she has not had many new changes to her schedule and is also still surrounded by similar people. She can’t wait for the opportunity to branch out more with her classes in the future after getting her necessary credits completed. 

“I am most excited for the years coming up where I can choose more electives in my schedule,” Ruszkowski said. 

Students are not the only ones transitioning into new phases over this past month. The faculty and staff have faced similar experiences as the rest of the student body. 

Counselor Carly Authement, who is a newer addition to the Holy Cross counseling department, has found her transition into second semester to be easier than the first, but still finds the overall workload and transition of the second semester can be demanding. She specifically pointed out the challenge that comes with darkness at 4pm and the struggles that come with that.

“Seasonal affective disorder: it’s real, for everyone,” explained Authement.

Authement has been embracing having a routine and sticking to it during this time. She especially believes in the importance of “focusing on small steps to take care” like her self-care routines and mindfulness practices. 

Social studies teacher Maureen Morris found coming back into the daily routine to be the most challenging part as well, but overall has not had any specific struggles. She pointed out how she has not noticed a difference in the productivity of students and has not seen a shift in the classroom either.

“They were attentive in the fall and they are attentive now,” Morris said. 

The new semester has brought tightening up on certain policies, like the cell phone rule. But Morris explained that it was just an adjustment.

“Increased emphasis on policy doesn’t affect our teaching.”  Morris stated. 

With the new semester underway and with new routines, shifts were quickly adjusting to as everyone transitions to a new normal.