The countdown has long since begun.

No, no, I’m not referring to the end of the NIU basketball season. I’m talking about what is happening next week at NIU and all month at universities around the nation. Ever since the spring semester began, many NIU students have pointed toward spring break as the ultimate salvation. For most, it’s time to go home or to Florida—anywhere besides DeKalb.

Consider me an exception. Well, sort of.

Before I first moved from Chicago to DeKalb Aug. 22, 1984, for college, I heard all about the evil “townies” that resided in DeKalb permanently. These were supposedly crabby people that hated college students because they destroyed their peace of mind. Unlike some college students, I quickly found that such was rarely the case.

Spending my first two years in the dorms kept my ties at least partially strong in Chicago. You can never feel totally at home in the dorms no matter how much furniture you cram in one of those rooms, and the residence hall types don’t let you stay during break anyway. But that all changed when I moved into an apartment.

A DeKalb friend of mine came to me one day two summers ago and said, “So, now you’re a ‘townie.'” Whatta you know, I had become a ‘student townie.’ Almost two years later, the situation is really no different and, in some ways, more chronic.

When I was a freshman, the phrase “going home for a weekend” actually included me from time to time. But now I seek the nearest dictionary of college terminology to find its definition. I go back to my parents’ house about once every lunar eclipse, although my parents will say it is more like once in a blue moon.

Quite simply, I really enjoy living in DeKalb instead of just being an NIU student. While the South Side of Chicago still holds a lot of memories for me, it is my parents’ place. DeKalb belongs to me. Although I was able to survive when my parents left me alone in the house years ago, living 75 miles away full-time has given me the chance to sink or swim on my own. I like that.

I suppose some of you are wondering how this relates to spring break. Believe me, it does. You see, being a “student townie” means staying in DeKalb for all or the majority of that week. I left this town for only part of a day during last year’s spring break, and this year only about half of it will be spent elsewhere.

I’m not opposed to leaving town for a vacation; in fact, sometimes I’m more anxious than anyone else. That’s why I’m going to Florida for five days with my grandfather. It’s a few days of relaxation out of town. But then it’s probably back to DeKalb for the rest of spring break.

For those students who have heard that DeKalb is a ghost town when the students are gone, you are receiving a pretty accurate assessment. Have you ever walked around campus on Christmas Eve? I have, and it’s similar to flicking a light switch. Spring break was just about the same last year. But once you leave campus, the difference is not so dramatic.

If you like privacy, you should try spending a break in DeKalb. I now live on Greek Row and I think I was the only person who stayed in my apartment complex during Christmas break this year. Of course, you feel somewhat isolated, but it also feels like you own the complex.

With this isolation comes peace and quiet, which I like. But the majority of NIU students probably would go nuts if they had to try it. That’s probably the reason so many go home, besides the desire to visit family and friends.

That’s why some permanent residents get so uppity when students return from break or summer vacation. When students exit, they become accustomed to silence. When students return, it’s as though a stranger has invaded their turf. I don’t necessarily agree with that view, but I understand it.

The countdown can continue, but for me it’s just for a week away from classes.