After five midterms and three papers, I am ready for Spring Break. All of us - students, faculty and family members alike - are probably ready for Spring Break to begin.
For many people, this has already been a long, hard semester. And we are only about halfway through.
Relaxation during stressful times is sometimes just as important as the work itself.
However, unlike Winter Break, next week is not a time to forget about the semester's responsibilities.
As students, we have worked hard on midterms and other class work. Spring Break is a time to relax and prepare for the projects, papers and finals that lay ahead in April and May. Spring Break is a time of relaxation, not a time for excessive partying and irresponsibility.
Some students will head to Florida, Mexico or the Caribbean to have fun in the sun. Alcohol and sex are facts of life when a large amount of college students wearing swimming trunks and bikinis in 80- or 90-degree weather get together. However, students can have fun in the sun without letting antics and excess ruin their focuses - or their futures.
The last thing students need is to be immortalized on an MTV Spring Break show or a "Girls Gone Wild" video. The social stigma you could receive from being on such programs would ruin your reputation with friends and family who support you emotionally - and maybe even financially - during these college years.
While students should have fun with friends and family, they should not go overboard.
Still, there are some people on the opposite side of the spectrum.
There are students who plan on staying in the 30- or 40-degree Midwest, meticulously pecking away at projects and work. They must remember, however, that Spring Break is not a time to fully dedicate to school work. Take this opportunity to do the things you love that are not possible with the daily hectic life of college students - I suggest you get out and have fun. Those of you who do continue school work over the break should be applauded for using your time wisely, yet you could regret it if you spend Spring Break like a normal week at school.
If you are staying in the Midwest, try to take a day trip to the nearest big city and have fun. If you are going somewhere warm and fun, just take a book and some homework to do on the way there.
In all, Spring Break should not just be like another week at school.
For those who usually spend school weeks partying, joking and procrastinating, Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to get caught up in your studies. Finals can be hazardous to one's health if you are not ready to focus on the task at hand.
But for those who usually work hard and study during the school year, go to a party and hang out with new or old friends. If you don't relax now, the amount of pressure on you in April and May could be burdensome and overwhelming.
For freshmen whose first college Spring Break will start at the end of today, I suggest you take some of this advice; it will help you in the long run.
And if you do take at least a little of this advice, you will be a better person socially and academically for it. The world of Spring Break can be a hazard on your path to success in college - and ultimately, your success in life. With these suggestions, you can turn a possible pothole along that road into a rich life experience and some great leisure time.
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