College is a lot of fun at times, but it’s no surprise that students look forward to breaks! I mean how else would they be able to keep up with assignments, tests, and everything else they somehow manage to do? Whether these breaks are three-day weekends or a whole month long, students always look forward to some time away from the stresses of college life.
One of the most anticipated breaks in a college student’s life is Spring Break. Mainly because the spring semester leads straight into a two-and-a-half-month-long hiatus, aka Summer Break. I personally love spring break because it helps break up my semester and give me time to collect my thoughts. After scrolling through my Instagram and Twitter feeds, I’ve come the conclusion that students stick to a few different ideas when it comes to the types of breaks students go on.
The Stay-At-Homer
These students, such as myself, tend to be the students that go home for breaks to save money, make money, and relax. My spring breaks usually look the same no matter the year. I catch up on my favorite TV shows (Fixer Upper, of course), spend some time with my family, and work a little bit. I find it important to allow myself time as soon as I get home to relax. For example, my parents usually fix me my favorite meal or take me to my favorite restaurant, and then we get to watch a movie together of my choosing. These moments help myself understand how excited my family is to see me, and how supportive they are of my busy lifestyle at college. Most students like me tend to want a relaxed environment when they go home, so here’s a tip for the families: don’t overload the students with things to do or make them feel bad for not wanting to do a whole lot. College is hard. Sometimes really hard. Which means sometimes you just have to take two naps in one day to feel recharged after a whole week of midterms. Also, allow them to have some freedom in their plans. In college, their able to make their own decisions and schedules, and that’s the mindset they’ve gotten used to. Families, it’s important to find a balance between your life and theirs, so let them pick their plans, but also set aside time for one another while they’re home.
The Vacationer
I know what you’re thinking, and no. That’s not where I’m going with this! The typical Spring Break scenario is something that might terrify families, but what isn’t talked about are the trips where students just have fun with one another. Many students want a time that they can spend with their friends doing things they wouldn’t get to do if they stayed home. It might seem like a scary concept of letting your student plan their own trip without your input, but many times the experiences that come with these kinds of trips are the most memorable. Every Spring Break, I’ve had close friends of mine plan trips to various places! This year, I had a group of friends go to Disney World for the week to visit a friend that is in the Disney College Program! They spent several days exploring the various parks together with their personalized Mickey Mouse ears. Another group went to Panama City Beach to relax by the ocean. While they were there they decided to go on a boat tour where some of the girls were able to see real live dolphins for the first time ever! Another group when to Colorado to hike and camp out for a week (not my cup-of-tea, but to each his own). Spring Break is what your student makes of it! With these students, it’s best to have a supportive mindset. Avoid making them feel bad for not coming home or assist them in creating a budget for the trip to avoid overspending. It may seem like a huge step to you, but to your student it means the world.
The Studious/Service
These students spend their spring break bettering themselves and others. Many students choose to participate in Study Away trips. Study Away trips offer class credit for travelling to different cities and countries. Disclaimer: short-term and long-term trips are offered through this office, which gives students the ability to find the right fit for them. Another way students spend spring break is by donating their time and energy into service trips. The university offers types of service trips through a program called Bear Breaks, which focuses on one of the pillars of the Public Affairs Mission, Community Engagement. Many students use these trips as a way to gain service hours, and some students use it as a time to make connections with people all across the country. Spring Break for these students is more focused on the idea of living outside of themselves by being immersed into a different community/culture. Also, some student organizations plan trips together for members to develop deeper relationships, such as campus ministries. A great tip for these students is to wait for them to call you. Their days are packed full of classes, trips, and/or service, and they might only have a few minutes to talk during their busy days. That’s okay though! I’m sure they’ll want to tell you all about their trip once it’s over.
After reading these descriptions it’s easy to say that Spring Break is full of endless opportunities. There’s no limit as to how much or how little students can do. It’s all about the experience. I will say, the most important thing to take away from this post is to be supportive of whatever type of trip your student decides to go on. Allow them to make their own decisions and offer help when needed but know that this is an opportunity for them to grow and learn. I love my spring breaks. It’s sad to think that I only have one more left, but I guess that means I’ll have to make it count.
GO BEARS!
~Lauren
Lauren VanNess is a member of the Missouri State University ’19 – Honors College with a Major: Public Relations and a Minor: Marketing; University Ambassadors; Welcome and Traditions Coordinator and Leader for SOAR 2018; Gamma Phi Beta Sorority; and the Vicki Stanton Public Speaking Showcase | Awards Coordinator 2017-2018.