It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the campus of Wallace State. The infectious sense of holiday cheer is recognizable in the demeanor of students and faculty alike as we all prepare for the wonderful break that lies ahead. The Christmas break is perhaps one of the most well-deserved of the year for anyone associated with academia because exams always consume the weeks prior. So as the holidays begin, students are doing last minute cramming, instructors are bound to stacks of ungraded papers and tests, and student service employees are slammed with registration for the next semester.

The end of the semester is really a bittersweet time for me. I have come to enjoy many of my classes and hate to see them end, though I know I will feign interest in my new ones as the Spring semester progresses. I must also say that the wonderful advisers and student services employees at Wallace State are great at what they do; I have not once heard a peer complain about the transition to the next semester. In high school I can remember being a bit unimpressed by the counselors who were charged with advising students in regards to academic success, but here it has been a great experience to meet with my advisor. It is wonderful to have an instructor assigned who is able to help each student individually to make best use of their time at Wallace State.

Happy Holidays to all! I hope the combined stresses of exams, grading, shopping, and other holiday preparations are left behind as work and school give way to family and fun! Also, don't forget to grab a copy of Wallace State's student news publication, "The Mane Issue", we have prepared a special holiday edition!