J-Term is the time in which Oles take only one class, study abroad, or research during the month of January. Although for some people this is the time for winding down, J-Term is a nice “refresher” from the busy life of the St. Olaf student. This J-Term, I took MUS 245: Music and Social Justice, and I absolutely enjoyed the change of pace from the busy semester.
During J-Term, it might be harder to get out of your dorm since it is probably as cold as it gets in the little snow globe that is Minnesota, but it could be a time to be productive and reset for the year. Since you only have two hours a day of class — or maybe a lab; I took Musical Acoustics once — you might end up having a lot of time. I loved seeing my senior friends use their time to apply to grad school, form their profiles, and travel.
As for me, I came back from Peru with a tan and decided J-Term is the perfect time to fulfill New Year’s resolutions! I loved seeing a lot of friends at the gym, and having time to home-cook my meals — I strongly believe that anyone can cook, it’s all in following recipes and finding your perfect spice blend! — and spending quality time with my friends. As long as you have the handy Google Calendar in your pocket, J-Term at St. Olaf is the time to catch up and practice self-care.
Spring is now here, and I am enjoying the slight temperature rise. But I am still hoping to practice self-care this 2025. My craziest New Year’s Resolution is changing my iPhone for a smart flip phone. During J-Term it was easier to handle, but let’s see if my CAT flip phone survives the busy times of spring!
