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"Unplug, Unwind, or Fly Away: How Dalat Survived Fall Break" by Zi Xin Huang

“I spent the first five days of break unable to do anything because my body was fighting influenza, but once I was better I was able to start binge watching my favorite shows again,” said Brandon Koi (12). 

A few weeks before fall break, a wave of influenza hit, and people began missing school before the break even began. Like Brandon, many people used this break to catch up on some rest and a much-needed recovery. It was the perfect chance to kick back, take it easy, and recharge. Many took time off from their usual hustle to focus on themselves, doing things that helped them unwind and feel better overall, whether that be scrolling through the day or even just getting their steps in.

Other people were like Mia Yuan (12), who decided to take a trip abroad instead. She said, “The break put a pause on the ongoing packed senior year, which allowed me to get some fresh air in another country where there is no haze. It was really brief but rewarding.” Traveling became the ultimate escape for many in the Dalat community. From quick local staycations to checking out new spots further away, changing up the environment was a top priority. It was the perfect chance for everyone to step back from the usual hustle, live in the moment, and come back feeling way more refreshed, from the haze, too.

Still, there are more options to consider when deciding what to do during fall break. Dalat International School offers students opportunities to engage in service during breaks like fall break. This comes in the form of impact trips, where students volunteer to travel to different parts of the world and lend a hand to communities in need. It is a great way to learn, grow, and actually make a difference while having an adventure. Shon Kang (10), who went on the trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, stated, “I felt like the Impact trip was a great way to detach from any apparent stress and completely focus your consciousness on serving alone. There were some hardships mixed in, but overall I would describe the experience as enjoyable but incredibly meaningful.”

Fall break is not only a good time to detach from the stress or smoke that piles up during school, but also a good time to gain experience through events like Impact or even just by going on vacation. It is not just about taking a break, but it is also a perfect time to try out new experiences. Those in the Dalat community can choose to participate in events that really make a difference or just treat themselves to a fun vacation. Whether exploring a new place or making a positive impact, this time off is all about unwinding and recharging so people can return to school feeling energized and ready to go, or, more realistically, counting down the days until the next break.

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