This is in response to the article "Professors ask to eliminate fall break" (Thurs., Nov. 4). This is my second year living in East Halls in Pennypacker as a program assistant. Part of my job is to help first-year students make the transition from high school to college academics. I think that I have some perspective from this position that professors are lacking. I see the stress that first-year students endure, from not only academics, but living away from home. I see the relief they get from going home after two months of living the frenzy that is college life. I believe that this chance to go home is imperative for students to make it through their first semesters. While one day off may just be an inconvenience to professors, that one day can make a difference for students who have to drop $50 and ride four hours each way to see their loved ones. Remember freshmen can't have cars. To ask these students to leave their homes for the first time, work hard and then keep it up for over three months without one break is ridiculous. Perhaps we should change it from "study day" to "mental health day" so professors would realize the true reason that we need a fall break.