Evan Williams
Finally, it's time for that vacation we've been planning since last Spring Break, and the Spring Break before that one and so on.
This is the Spring Break we have deserved since and for which we have spent the past year preparing. I know many have done their homework, "studying" at least 20 keg stands, 15 one-fifths of vodka, and gargling upside-down margaritas until they became inside-out.
Yes, Spring Break - seven "Thirsty Thursdays" in a row. In all honesty, I don't think that's really how a lot of students spend their vacations.
How do I know this? My Magic Eight Ball told me the adventures of eight people who will take a road trip to St. Petersburg, Fla., a couple who will rendezvous on a cruise and eight of my close friends who will give up a week to help strangers in Appalachia.
But what does Spring Break hold for all of us? Shake the Magic Eight Ball and I'm sure "ask again later" will somehow float to the top.
"Will I figure out the answers to life's questions while on this trip away from school?"
Shake, shake, shake."Very doubtful."
People rely on this break like the Griswolds did for their Christmas bonus for the swimming pool in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." People become animals when they are deprived of what they need most.
"I think I would go insane," sophomore Mindy Bowman said, if Spring Break was taken out of the curriculum. "I'm sick of doing the same thing every day. I would be screaming, calling Sally Struthers."
Bowman, along with seven others plan on piling into a van and driving down to Nazareth Farms in Appalachia to give their time to those who are poor and need it most.
"I feel like the work I do now is work I have to do," she said. "The work I'm going to do is the work I want to do to help people."
Maybe those eight will learn the secret of life by helping others.
On the other hand, freshman Andrea Chupp will join a group of seven others to relax in St. Petersburg.
"I need to get away," she said.
Going to St. Petersburg, she wasn't sure if there was a lot of partying, although she heard rumors about the senior citizens who hibernate there - at least there's shuffle board.
"The whole world needs a Spring Break," Chupp said, "but at different times, because the economy would fail if everyone took the same week off."
That, and I think Florida would sink into the Gulf of Mexico and turn into the new millennium's Atlantis. I'm sure Disney would love to make a movie - wait, they couldn't. Disney World would be gone. Shucks.
Nonetheless, no matter what people do, whether it's helping the poor or just enjoying the company of friends, Spring Break adds up to one thing - a renewal of spirit. Right, Magic Eight Ball?
"My sources say no."
Whatever.
Write to Evan at emann@mr-potatohead.com
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