With Thanksgiving upon us, the University is closing its doors for our first real vacation of the semester. Thoughts of turkey and family shenanigans are on most University students’ minds as they prepare for the long — or not so long — trek back home for the holiday. But it’s important that students cherish this break more than others in recent memory.Tonight marks the beginning of our first break since the fall semester began. Hurricane Gustav ravaged the campus community in early September, which caused fall break to be canceled.Since then, students and faculty have gone through 11 1/2 straight weeks of studying, lesson planning, projects, exams and essays.And we think the four-day   hiatus is much needed for all members of the University community.The Daily Reveille reported on Tuesday that some psychology professors say the break is likely necessary because of the time of year the holiday falls.Clayton Cook, psychology professor, said stress traditionally becomes more prevalent in students during the final stretch of the semester and that could be worsened by the lack of a fall break.With one week left of classes before finals, students and faculty need as much rest and relaxation as possible for the stretch run.But whether students brave the interstates or stick to the Louisiana tradition of back-country roads, safety needs to be of paramount concern.Make sure to bring your patience with you — everyone on the road will be just as eager to get where they need to go.Budget your driving time to ensure that you’ll get where you need to be without skinning the turkey.But most importantly, have a good, well-deserved break.—-Contact the Editorial Board at [email protected]