Collegiate Times

He said

One. More. Week. While we have only been back at Virginia Tech for a short time, I am sure there are but a few people who are not in need of a vacation. There is something about students being thrown into new classes after a month-long hibernation that wears them down. Luckily, there is a week each spring to save students from the tyranny of academia.

While leisure is what many need during this week after a string of tests and projects, relaxation is the exact opposite of how many people spend their spring break. Cancun, Panama City and Bahamas are the destinations of many students who are looking to spend their spring break among bikini-clad women, juiced men and more alcohol than Pheasant Run on a Friday night.

There is no better trip for a student looking for the “typical college” spring break. As a matter of fact, that was me last year. A cruise through the Caribbean with stops in foreign countries that have no drinking ages was what I was looking for — a memory-filled week of sunburns and white sand beaches was what I got, despite the hefty price tag.

If you are a college student who finds joy in half-naked women and Natural Light, then make the voyage at least once in your college career. Expensive? Maybe. But if you cut down your Cook-Out intake from five days a week to three days, you will have paid for it in no time.

But do not even begin to think partying on a beach with MTV is the only way to spend spring break. One of my roommates is going on a mission trip to help those less privileged for the second year in a row. He said last year was the most rewarding experience of his life, and he cannot wait to go back. I can pretty much guarantee your conscience will feel better after a week of community service than after a week of margaritas and beer bongs.

Besides choosing a cruise or a mission trip, there are always those who spend spring break in a different fashion — on weeklong backpacking excursions or kayak trips. Some just stay in Blacksburg. I hear the townies can be rather entertaining.

I will personally be spending my spring break at home hanging out with my mom and working part time to earn some cash. I found it financially irresponsible to blow a small fortune on a trip to another country, whether it was for community service or to work on my tan. While it is true that Winston-Salem, N.C. is lacking white sand beaches, Cancun sure as hell does not have my momma’s home cooking. Relaxation is exactly what I am craving right now as I head into my hell week. Lounging at home and catching up on Netflix sounds as good as any cruise right about now.

However you are spending this spring break, follow these two simple rules. One: No drinking water in any part of Central America if you are not from there. Our weak American stomachs cannot handle it. Two: No thinking about school — it is called a break for a reason. Checking Scholar is strictly prohibited. Have a great break, Hokies.

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A version of this article appeared in the Feb 24 issue of the Collegiate Times.