By: Lindsey Hedrick

The light at the end of the tunnel has arrived for Drury students and faculty…fall break. Whether you’re catching up on some much needed sleep from those all-nighters, taking a break from the constant demands of homework assignments and deadlines, driving home for some much needed separation from campus or taking a short weekend getaway, fall break is the solution for recharging and relaxing (hopefully).

Staying on Campus…No Problem!

Sorry freshman, this unfortunately doesn’t count for you if you live in the dorms! Make sure to tidy up your rooms for room checks and thank your RA for staying an extra day to make sure there are no fire hazards or unwanted critters.

For students hanging around on campus have no fear (or have some fear Halloween is 18 days away), there are things to do around Springfield! Here are some events (found on Facebook) that are going on during the weekend of fall break.

Horror movie fanatic? This event may interest you! The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is playing at the Alamo Drafthouse on Thursday Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered online through their website (drafthouse.com, also direct link is found on the Facebook event).

Are poetry slams more your speed, but with a costume twist? The Masquerade Poetry Slam is being held at Springfield Improv Theatre on Thursday Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. The event consists of participates covering pieces, doing group pieces, musical performances all while in costume. There will be two prizes for judges first place and for the participate the breaks the most rules, and of course the costume contest. The cover fee is $5 at the door.

Enjoy fancy dinners, but perhaps with a murder mystery spin? The Pythian Castle is hosting their monthly Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday Oct. 20. The dinner consists of a three-course meal with the interactive murder mystery show with audience participation. Reservations are required, and tickets can be purchased online (website link is pythiancastle.com), tickets are $45.44.

Costumes, animals in costumes, candy…oh my! The 10^th annual Pets and Pumpkins festival is Saturday Oct. 21 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There are many activities for kids and pet owners to do. Candy and treats will be given to humans and their furry friends along with a parade to end the event. The cost is $2 for each child, adult and four legged friend. All proceeds go to benefit local non-profit children and animal organizations. For more information on this event visit http://www.petsandpumpkins.com/home.html or visit the facebook page.

Emilia Elmer, junior, is an international student staying on campus for fall break. Elmer is from Quito, Ecuador which is approximately 2,750 miles from Drury’s campus.

“If you want to know how long it takes me to travel,” said Elmer. “It is two flights totaling seven hours or 12 hours including airport time.”

Elmer looks forward to spending time with her roommates who are also staying on campus and catching up on homework at her own expense.

“It is a nice break in the semester,” said Elmer. “When you start to feel burned out, it gives you a couple days to regroup and take your mind off school to catch up if you are a little behind (like me). Either way, win-win.”

If you find yourself feeling blue about staying on campus remember to take the opportunity to catch up on laundry at the community center and the peace and quiet on campus for a couple days.

Going Home…Parents Miss Ya

For those students heading home for fall break remember the plus sides (you’ll need these for whenever your parents are getting on your nerves and siblings are being the worst).

Free meals are always good meals. Honestly it probably beats whatever the commons is serving and waiting 30 minutes for the CX to potentially get your order wrong. They will probably take you to your favorite restaurant too, so marvel in this opportunity until the next visit.

Spend copious amounts of time with your animal. The family animal is the most important during this visit, so make sure to spoil them with love and pats.

Take time for yourself. Being away from campus for a few days is the perfect refreshing time, especially in your own bed (which may even be larger than a twin extra-long). Read a book or simply continue binge watching whatever Netflix or Hulu series.

Appreciate your family. Take time to thank your parents for sending care packages, adding money to your checking account five times already this semester and supporting you. Who knows they may slip you a $20 on your way back to campus.

Clare Dudenhoeffer, junior, is looking forward to going back home and spending time with her friends and family, but most importantly her dog Mike in Florissant, Mo. Dudenhoeffer lives three and a half hours away from Drury’s campus.

“I feel like fall break is important because you can catch up on sleep and focus on your mental health,” said Dudenhoeffer.

Whether you are 30 minutes away from home or four hours, remember to be thankful for an extra two days off from classes and animal cuddles.

Being Adventurous…TRAVEL

Whether you’re taking a day trip to Eureka Springs or spending the weekend with relatives in another state, enjoy getting out of Springfield, Mo for a little bit.

Danielle Wheelan, senior, is spending her fall break (and a few extra days) in Lincoln, England. Wheelan studied abroad last semester and is looking forward to visiting friends and immersing herself in the city that she fell in love with all over again.

“I’m flying into London and staying there the first night,” said Wheelan. “Then I’ll be staying with friends in Lincoln for most of the week. I may take some day trips to Leeds, Nottingham and Liverpool.”

Wheelan will fly out this Saturday Oct. 14 and return Monday Oct. 23.

“I’m looking forward to being back in my second home,” said Wheelan. “I’m ready to eat pasties at my  favorite little restaurant and walk the castle wall. Lincoln is such a beautiful city, and I can’t wait to experience it with some of the people I love most.”

Whether you’re going halfway across the country or three hours to Kansas City, remember to enjoy all sorts of getaways!