‘Twas the week before winter break, when all through the campus,

Not a student was procrastinating, not even skipping classes.

The exams were stacked up in the professors’ offices with care,

In hopes that their pupils would ace them with flair.

TRU students were nestled all snug in their desks,

While visions of holiday activities danced in their heads.

Some in their ski helmets, some in the Mexican sun

Read on to find out what TRU students are doing for fun…

“Skiing.”

– Jamie Shinkewski, second-year Marketing post-baccalaureate student

Jamie Shinkewski skiing at Sun Peaks.

“Literally just working as much as I can. My 21st birthday is on Christmas Day, and then I’ll be going to Vegas in January!”

– Adrianna Sieracki, fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in human resources

Adrianna in the back room of the shoe store where she works.

“I’m going to Mexico for a family vacation, as well as travelling to the University of Ottawa as a prospective masters student.“

– Richenda McFarlane, fourth-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in cell, molecular, and microbiology

A photo from one of Richenda’s beachy vacations.

“Working and relaxing. I’ll probably spend most of it playing video games and watching sports. I am also going to probably renew my gym membership because my girlfriend is gone until the 28th, so I will need something to kill time. This will also be the first time I get to see my niece! I’m an uncle for the first time and my sister will be coming home.”

– Jordan Avila, third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in marketing

The Avila family festive stocking arrangement (Jordan’s is the Pooh Bear stocking).

“I will be finishing online courses so I can graduate in June, and I will be picking up again with my little cake business making some Christmas-themed cakes and sugar cookies. And then, Disneyland for New Year’s!”

– Fallon Fosberry, fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in history

Fallon is a talented baker who loves creating cakes in unique shapes.

“Going home and skiing all break!”

– Vince Austin, second-year Bachelor of Natural Resource Sciences student

Vince is an avid skiier and president of TRU’s Out Here Ski and Snowboard Club.

“Probably going back to India in January!”

– Abhijeet Bhaskar, third-year Finance post-baccalaureate student

Abhijeet at St. Francis Church in Goa, India.

“Nothing that exciting planned yet. I’m going to Salmon Arm to watch the new Star Wars movie with a friend and I might do some snowshoeing and skiing to start training for my West Coast Trail trip.”

– Tristan Semeniuk, first-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in animal biology

Tristan and his sister, Alyssa, celebrating Christmas at Sun Peaks last year.

“Off to south India with my roommate and best friend, Allan!”

– Allister Grapes, fifth-year Honours Bachelor of Arts student majoring in psychology

Allister (right) and friend Allan Felix have been travel buddies for a couple years. They are excited to embark on their biggest adventure together this winter break.

“I am going to be enjoying not having any classes anymore! I will be spending the break with my lovely girlfriend doing wintery things and preparing for Christmas! Advent calendars, sledding, hot chocolates, Christmas movies and much more. I will also be enjoying all the extra time I have to play music and will be playing with my band.”

– Owen Powers, second-year Bachelor of Natural Resource Sciences student

Christmas and music are two of Owen’s favourite things. He recently played carols as he marched as a Christmas tree with TRU in the Santa Claus Parade.

“Probably just skiing and snowshoeing, then visiting with family and friends once my sister comes home from Europe. But mostly just relaxing once my work term finishes up for the year.” 

– Briana Guise, third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in accounting

Briana, left, cross-country skiing with her best friend, Margaret Elliot.

“Hopefully heading down South with my family to get some sun in Mexico. Besides that, just trying to enjoy the intermittent period between semesters and stress!”

– Michael Zaitlin fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student double majoring in history and political/economics studies

Michael’s family at their Christmas dinner last year.