Winter break offers students a chance to shake off the previous semester as they plan for a new year. Mina Yamanaka ’25, an épée fencer and physics major, spent hers dedicated to a routine that balanced some much-needed free time with preparation for a rigorous spring semester and fencing season ahead.
“I’m definitely a homebody, so getting time with my dog, playing video games with my older brother, and eating home-cooked food is a treat that I don’t get to enjoy often,” said Yamanaka. “I also try to get as much outdoor time as I can before returning to the City.”
Fortunately for Yamanaka, home is only a train ride away in Queens, New York. Born and raised in New York City, she traveled to Queens this holiday season to spend time with her family and friends.
Now back from break, Yamanaka navigated the sharp shift to a new semester by looking ahead. Beyond amping up her practice hours for fencing, she trained to attend the January North American Cup (January 5-8) in San Jose with her teammates.
Yamanaka fences through the Columbia-Barnard Athletic Consortium, a collaboration that supports Barnard athletes competing with Columbia undergraduates in the Ivy League Athletic Conference and NCAA Division 1 Athletics — making Barnard the only women’s college to offer this opportunity.
“[Over] winter break, I revisited my local fencing clubs and got some practice in. I also worked in mobility and conditioning with the extra time I had,” said Yamanaka. In addition to taking advantage of the time that winter break offered her to log in more practice hours and plan her class schedule, she also curated the perfect environment for schoolwork.
“When I return to campus, I love making my dorm room — and particularly my desk — into a space where I can think and focus. I use index cards for reminders, to-do lists, weekly schedules, and tack them on the wall beside my desk,” said Yamanaka. “I also use sticky notes on my MacBook desktop for homework, as well as a deadline spreadsheet to stay on top of classes.”
Music plays a pivotal role in establishing the ambiance of Yamanaka’s back-to-school haven. Even in the face of a new year, she sticks to songs that she already listens to everyday, such as “Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant.
“College is an interesting time because, as an athlete, I’m figuring out how much I want to prioritize the sport when an increasing number of other things require my attention,” said Yamanaka. “This song helps me fight that hesitation and energizes me to go after the things I want. It’s been a good motivator in making me work for a successful spring, despite how hectic a new semester might feel.”
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