Winter break ended on Tuesday, with students returning to campus to begin the second semester. The break, which began Dec. 20 and lasted just over two weeks, left both students and teachers with mixed feelings about their return. Still, they are preparing for what the second semester may bring.

“I’m actually feeling a bit stressed because I know the second semester is a lot harder than the first,” junior Rupal Shirpurkar said. “However, I’m going to try my hardest this semester. I don’t have a third-period class on A-days, so I’m planning to use that time to catch up on work and stay productive.”

However, coming back after a long break doesn’t have to be filled with anxiety. Technical teacher Aaron Yowell believes that maintaining a strict routine in his personal life helps him stay focused and productive in his work life.

“I am rigid about my wake-up schedule and routine at home so that I can carry that discipline into staying focused at work,” Yowell said. “If I’m getting up every day at five to work out and take care of things at home, it helps me stay more disciplined in the classroom and avoid getting off on tangents.”