Making the Most of Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving is a time for expressing gratitude and enjoying the company of family and friends. The holiday is especially important for high school seniors, and should include a mix of rest, reflection, and preparation for what’s to come. It’s the perfect chance to recharge and be productive without feeling overwhelmed. Here are some ideas for making the most of it:

College & Career Preparation

1. Prepare for Finals. This break is a good time to get organized. Review your syllabi, gather your notes, and create a study plan. A little bit of preparation goes a long way.
2. Finish (or polish) college applications. Use downtime to wrap up essays, finalize your Common App, or submit applications due in December/January.
3. Get started on financial aid. Take stock of your finances by planning for upcoming college expenses. Get started on your FAFSA and scholarship applications. Research grant opportunities. 
4. Visit or research colleges. Check out school websites, stop by nearby campuses, do virtual tours, schedule onsite tours, and reach out to current students.
5. Update your résumé or portfolio. You’ll need this for college applications, scholarships, internships, and job applications. Make sure it is current, and includes information like volunteer and club activities, sports and leadership roles, awards and special projects, jobs, and internships.

Connect with Family & Friends

1. Enjoy time at home. Long holiday breaks with your family may not happen as often once you’re on your own. Cherish this time together. 
2. Show gratitude. Thank teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, family members, and friends who’ve helped you reach this point in your journey.
3. Make memories. Strengthen meaningful relationships by volunteering together, planning a game night, taking a spontaneous day trip, and, of course, sharing a good meal.

Rest, Reflect, and Recharge

1. Catch up on rest and self-care. Juggling classes, applications, extracurriculars, and emotions can leave you feeling depleted. Use this break to sleep in a little, relax, eat well, and do things that make you happy.
2. Unplug from stress. Breathe. Take a step back from college talk if it’s become overwhelming. Instead, pursue a hobby or activity you enjoy. You deserve some peace.
3. Get outdoors. Put down your phone and get some fresh air and exercise. Whether it’s sports or a simple walk in the park, getting outside can clear your mind and lift your mood.
4. Look back on high school. What have you learned? What classes/activities have challenged you the most? What accomplishments are you most proud of? How have you put the knowledge you’ve gained to use?
5. Plan for the rest of senior year. Make a short list of goals for your final semester of high school (grades, friendships, extracurriculars, fun activities, etc.).
6. Think about the next chapter of your life. What kind of person do you want to be in college? What interests will you pursue? What has gone well so far, and what needs improvement?

Thanksgiving break offers a great opportunity to plan and set yourself up for success, as long as you don’t lose sight of what makes the season special. It’s all about finding balance between work and rest so that you can return to school feeling calm, focused, and confident about the road ahead.

We are thankful for YOU!

At Moxie College Counseling, we are thankful for our students and their families, and we are honored to be included in this important chapter of your lives. Whether it’s college counseling, essay writing, resume and interview preparation, or any of the other services we offer, we are here to make this journey rewarding and as stress-free as possible. For more information, contact us.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Moxie Team!