After the wasted effort I put forth to show up for my classes on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, I realized the dire need for a fall break on this campus. 

   Between Monday and Tuesday, a total of three of my five classes were cancelled, and another one was cut short – all because not enough people showed up to justify conducting class. I was actually the only person to show up for two of those classes. UAM, why do you waste my gas, and what is infinitely worse, my time? 

   Did anyone see the traffic last week, or the lack thereof? For the first time this semester, I could park wherever I wanted. I guess that part was nice, but not nice enough to overshadow how big of a loser I felt I was for even showing up. After all, everyone else was already at home with family or out having a good time. Not me, though; I’m a die-hard Boll Weevil! 

   Due to this experience and other similar ones, I recommend a fall break at UAM. By fall break, I mean give students the entire week of Thanksgiving off.

   A fall break would make traveling much easier. Students traveling long distances would have more time to spend with family and not just on the road. Also, by the time November rolls around, illness can be quite prevalent on campus. An entire week off would give students more time to rest and recuperate before taking on the toughest two weeks of the semester. The last week of the semester always has a couple of tests, and then the next week is finals.

   Most other colleges have fall breaks. Even the University of Central Arkansas has one. Apparently, UAM already has one – just unbeknownst to me. I ask that it be made official. Otherwise, I may take it upon myself to join my peers next year on Thanksgiving. Everybody else is doin’ it!