J-Term is a defining aspect of the Middlebury education, encompassing everything it means to be a student here. From skiing at the Snow Bowl to building snowmen on the quad, it is undeniable that the lighter workload and lessened commitments slow down time, paving the way for the serenity that characterizes the coldest month of the year.
Expanding on our last J-Term editorial, where we recapped our favorite and least favorite parts of the month, we want to reflect on how J-Term impacts our Middlebury experience and ways to take advantage of this unique semester.
A break from the average four-course workload is an adjustment, to say the least. The transition from running between classes to only have two meetings a week can come as a complete shock. The intense, rigorous feeling that pervades the campus for most of the year seems to come to a temporary halt. At first, the lack of structure can almost feel restrictive, but as the panic and frenzy of deadlines and final exams quiet, it starts to leave time to enjoy life outside of academics.
J-Term means having more time to spend with friends and to do the things we love that do not involve school, such as knitting, crafting or even watching movies. It provides an opportunity to experience Middlebury in a special way, unattached from the stresses of daily life. J-Term is the month to try new things and go on new adventures, specifically emphasizing the importance of engaging with Vermont’s famous winter environment.
In terms of academics, there are a plethora of experiences. Some people work internships, some fulfill distribution credits, and others simply follow their interests. Middlebury offers non-traditional classes that are not normally part of the curriculum, including those taught by visiting professors. These classes include everything from mock trials to trips to the state capital. People have the opportunity to hone in on a specific area of study over the course of a month and become well-acquainted with the area of academia.
Many of us have also noticed a change in our approach to J-Term over the years. As first years, J-Term was the month to try and socialize more at events or via activities such as winter sports without the burden of academics and constant commitments. For many, it became the “most social time” of their lives. The transition to upperclassmen tends to change our values. This uninterrupted social time is still appealing but not necessarily a priority anymore. Many of us who are in our junior or senior years here at Middlebury have noticed that J-Term feels quieter than it used to. Many of us find ourselves spending more time alone, completing the tasks we procrastinate all year, and simply catching up on sleep. That is not to say that one way is better than the other. Instead, it highlights the shift in the way we choose to spend our time and utilize our J-Term.
Despite all of this excitement and newfound downtime, many of us find J-Term to be simultaneously overwhelming. There are such high expectations leading into January, and it is important not to get too concerned about “not taking advantage” or “not doing enough” during the month. J-Term can be a double-edged sword: free time can breed a lack of motivation, and it can start to feel limited. Give yourself grace and lean into what makes J-Term so precious: the freedom.
After all, part of J-Term’s charm comes from finding serenity and bliss in slowness. Once J-Term ends, reality will set back in and time will once again speed up. So, we urge you to go explore the town. Sit around a fire with friends. Spend that extra five minutes in the dining hall. Or simply watch the snowflakes fall from your window.
Editor's Note: We are interested in hearing what staff and faculty think about the efficacy of J-Term and its future place at Middlebury. If you have an opinion or something to share, please reach out to The Middlebury Campus.
