Chocolate is the Best Medicine, by Anne Wrobetz

I never thought that I would be grateful to be sick on a weekend, but here it is, Saturday night, and I’m blessing my lucky stars that I can’t hold down solid food. You see, it’s Easter weekend and I normally do a double shift on Sundays. But tomorrow is an unforeseen day off for this bedridden work study student.

I’m not grateful merely because I get a chance to put my feet up at my mom’s place, kicking it old school with some cable TV and free food (albeit oatmeal and saltine crackers). This year, unlike the previous one, I’ll be able to spend Easter Sunday with the people I love. My family, a few of my best friends from high school, and, of course, my boyfriend will all receive some long-awaited Anne time. I figure it’s a much better present than a chocolate rabbit, anyway. When you’re in college, you’re constantly pressed for time. Between classes, homework, studying, review sessions, clubs, trying to stay in shape, and walking everywhere, a few hours of time are very precious. Add two part-time jobs into the equation, and you’re lucky to get six hours of sleep every night. But relationships are something most college students desire, whether romantic or filial, and they do require attention. Although I struggle to find the time, I am loathe to let my relationships slide. If I’m to keep happy and sane, I need to make the time to spend with my family, friends, and significant other.

There are ways to make relationships in college more manageable. It’s much easier to date someone if you share interests—not only are you more likely to have meaningful conversations, but your dates consist of activities you would likely both be doing anyway. For example, my boyfriend and I both love to eat new foods. So we make it our mission to go out to eat whenever we can, and every Friday we try a new restaurant. Also, both of us are really interested in renewable energy. Sometimes when we are together we look for jobs in that field. I am ecstatic to be searching for a meaningful career, but more ecstatic that I can do it with someone who really matters to me.

Some people come to college just to meet new people and fall in love. My motivations are different—I am in college to learn and prepare myself for the wide world of research and science. However, college has served as a kind of social stew, allowing me to mix with a huge number of people, and I lucked out with a fantastic boyfriend. I suppose I’m a lucky person in general—this exalted virus has given me a chance to spend a day with my favorite people, both new and old. This Easter, I’m able to have my chocolate rabbit and eat it, too