After a five-week winter break, dual credit students return to their Collin College classes Tuesday. 

The extended-break, three weeks longer than Frisco ISD’s standard two-week vacation, gave students extra time to unwind. However, returning to the college routine after such a long break has proven challenging for some students, especially those with early schedules. 

“It feels strange going back after a five-week break,” junior Rupal Shirpurkar said. “You get used to having so much free time, so it takes extra effort to adjust to the routine again especially when you take zero-hour classes that start at 7:15 a.m. like I do.” 

For others, like senior Cindy Trinh, the return brings excitement about what’s ahead this semester as part of Collin College’s Pharmacy Technician program. 

“I am looking forward to the next part of the program, which is clinical rotations at local pharmacies,” Trinh said. “It is exciting to gain work experience in a field that I want to pursue.”