Sophomore Kerri Branch listens to some music as an escape from her studies. Students found different ways to take time out from the stress of academics. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Taking a break: Just what does a Harding student do when the stress from studying becomes so great that two plus two begins to equal five? Sadly, an extended vacation is usually not possible. Instead, many try to find a way to take an occasional break from the hard work, searching for opportunities to relax, rejuvinate and regroup. Part of what keeps Masako Saito going during those long study sessions is drinking coffee and taking time for a walk to enjoy the trees and birds. However, one of the favorite releases for this sophomore from Chiba, Japan, is her time in the kitchen. "I like cooking, especially Japanese dishes and many kinds of pasta," Saito said. "It's nice, because you know exactly what you want." Though she often finds it time-consuming, Saito enjoys the chance to focus on one thing and return to her studies with renewed energy from the food she prepares. For Kerri Branch, a sophomore transfer from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, the opportunity to get away for a briefmoment comes with a leisurely bike ride Robin Ussery - Lexington, Ga. Biology. Hector Valderrama - Bogota, Columbia. Bible/Ministry. Barry VanAlstine - Guelph , Ontari o, Canada. Elementary Education. Sigma Tau Sigma. Brian VanAlstine - Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Pre-Optometry. Finding different ways to relax from stressful studies or listening to something from her extensive music collection. "I don 'twant to be studying for a long time and then do something during a break that would be a total waste of time, " Branch said. "I like to stay active and keep my mind active whenever I can. This way, even though I've taken a break, I feel like I've accomplished something." Sometimes the escape is as easy as switching one book for another. Many Monday nights pass at the Searcy Public Library when students come for not only the quiet seclusion, but for the best sellers. Though Monday can be a depressing day to some, librarians like Joyce Turley look forward to them. "We get a fairly steady group each week, " Turley said of the Harding regulars. Monday night is our latest night, and it's great to be able to be there for people who are always busy with other things to do. Although studying can take its toll, it is the all-important breaks like these that can help anyone keep things in perspective and make cramming those facts a lot less taxing. - Eric Rodgers Daniel Vandegrifft- Fort Pierce, Fla. Biology. Transfer (Indian River Community Co ll ege). Sigma Tau Sigma. Film Studies. Jody Venkatesan - End icott, N.Y. Intemational Business/Finance. Transfer (State University of ew York). Alpha Chi , American Studies , Dean 's List, Delta Mu Delta, French Club, Campaigns (Romania), Who's Who. Wesley Vernon - Washington Court, Ohio. Elementary Education. TNT. Campaigns (Du luth ), Club Beau, ln tramurals, Resident Assistant, SA Class Representative, Student Impact , VISA. Lo is Voyles - Searcy, Ark. Public Relations. Transfer (G reat Lakes Christian Co ll ege, Arkansas State Un iversity/Beebe). American Studies, Dean 's List. Greg Waide - Albuquerque, N.M. Missions/Psychology . Ga laxy. Alpha Chi, American Studies, Campaigns (Japan), Dean 's List. Jennifer Waide - Pine Bluff, Ark. Business Management. Scott Waite - Huntsvi lle, Ala. Biology. Kappa Sigma Kappa. College Republicans, Dean 's List, Intramurals , Interco ll egiate Athletics (Baseball) , International Studies (HUF) . Danny Wallace - Quinlan, Texas. Mathematics.
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