Here we are again for another semester! It can be hard to slip back into the repetitiveness of a school year. The holiday break allowed us to be couch potatoes, hang out with our family and friends, and maybe even play in the snow. While we can still do some of those things as break ends, we trade some of our time for books and homework rather than being able to think about nothing for a while. Of course, with all the time over break, the student body was able to discover and explore books, movies, TV shows, and music.
As I write this article, I reflect on how I did not read as much as I wanted over the break. However, I found lots of time to create a new music playlist since I was getting sick of my old playlist. A song I became utterly obsessed with is “Vienna (in Memoriam)” by “The Army, The Navy.” This song is a work of art. Based on actual life events of the artist’s cat chasing a mouse, this song explores themes of reflection on the fragility of the life of a mouse (and even human life). The vocals here are mesmerizing and almost make me cry thinking about the little mouse. Continuing my summer obsession with ABBA, I discovered their song, “As Good as New,” and have been listening to it on repeat ever since. I love the silly sounds and amazing vocals they bring to their music.
Here are forms of media the student body was consuming during the break:
“I watched the “Prince of Egypt” over break. Yes, I have seen it before, but I was reminded of how amazing the soundtrack is! And the animation is top tier!”
- Danny Frederick (junior, computer science)
“I finished “Friends” over the break, and I really liked following everyone’s story. I feel they messed up someone’s character by not bringing in development, but I think each actor fits their character perfectly. I love when every character is in the room together because they feed off of each other's energy, and it makes it just so much funnier to watch. I also watched the “Friends Reunion,” and it was really heartfelt knowing that Matthew Perry has since passed away and they will never all be together again. It was sad to finish the series in general, but I’m glad I saw how their lives unfold at the end. I recommend this show to anyone who loves silly sitcoms with lovable characters!”
- Reagan Westerman (sophomore, psychology)
“During this break, I had the opportunity to sit back and relax a little bit before my last semester of college. I used this time to play video games, specifically “NBA 2k24,” with my friends from home online. It had been so long since I’ve done this. It reminded me of the times growing up when we used to play all the time.”
- Jason Goliath (senior, public health)
“I watched a film that has been on my ‘need to watch’ list for a while now, “The Silence of the Lambs,” and instantly fell in love with it. I am a bit biased because I love films based and/or made in the 90s and most media that is FBI, BAU, or criminal psychology related. Jodie Foster, who plays the main character, is who truly made this film so enjoyable for me because she is someone I aspire to embody with her quick wit, intelligence, and perseverance despite opposition. The film also explored many interesting themes, but my favorite was the emphasis on women’s perspective in relation to the male gaze. I found it incredibly intriguing, even to the point of conducting an internet deep dive afterward. This film was also fun because I was able to see the different ways pop culture has referenced it over and over again.”
- Savannah Tyler (junior, speech-language pathology)
“The show I have recently been watching is called “Smallville.” It is about Superman (Clark Kent) in high school and his life as he ages and discovers his powers before becoming Superman. I like it because it comes from the perspective of someone relatively my age, so everything in it is familiar to me. I always love superhero-themed shows and movies, so the combination of relatability, a small-town show, and a superhero component made it a no-brainer.”
- Colin Browne (sophomore, psychology)
“I watched “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” I liked how it follows the story of a good character becoming a villain. This kind of perspective is somewhat rare in media.”
- David Creitz (junior, biology)
“I read Kevin Wilson’s book, “The Way of Chai.” He described his personal stories and experiences through sharing about an incredible beverage!”
- Jacob Elanko (sophomore, marketing)
“I watched a show called “Peaky Blinders” on Netflix, and I enjoyed it because of the action and drama that each episode would bring”
- Joshua Bell (junior, psychology)
I hope you have gotten some great recommendations. Even amid the stress of the semester, make sure to give yourself even a little time to watch a great show, read an exciting book, or listen to some spectacular music!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.