As the second semester starts at The University of Memphis for many students, some will be starting their first.
Whether it was a break after high school, between sophomore and junior year or a break before graduate school, some people need a little time off.
Rather than being forced to withdraw because of bad grades or lack of money, these students choose to take time off for rest and relaxation.
"I just needed a break," said undecided sophomore Frank Bailey about this upcoming semester in which he will sit out.
"I just want to relax, help my dad out and pay off my credit card."
The grind of 12 or more hours per semester can pose a physical and mental strain on any college student. Rather than allowing this strain to affect their academic standing, it can be a good idea to take a break.
"The stress was getting to my head and it started to show in my grades," said Chris Amagliani, a sophomore science major, who took two semesters off in 2003. "Me and my dad came to a mutual agreement to take time off."
However, some students say that although their break was much needed, there are some downsides to taking an extended hiatus. In fact, a possible setback to leaving school for a long period of time may be the lack of motivation to return.
"You know that going back is the right thing to do, but it's hard to get up for another four or five years of school," said Jared Spears, a freshman psychology major.
Unfortunately, students who do choose to take a break are sometimes labeled dropouts. Avoiding this label can be the motivation needed to get back in school.
"You feel a little behind and somewhat lost," Spears said. "It's like being a freshman in high school again. But I'd rather be behind than a dropout."
But there is a solution to feeling behind and out of the loop. Groups like the Student Activities Council (SAC) assist students with getting oriented and involved around campus.
Senior engineering major Lisa Rightmire explained how this helped her to get back into the rotation of college after she took time off after her freshman year.
"The SAC really helped me to find stuff going on around campus that I was interested in," she said.
But it is also possible to get involved in the department of your major or favorite class. Professors can be helpful with this.
"I have been lucky to have a great department and great professors," Rightmire said. "Study groups are also lifesaving when trying to get back into the swing of things."
