Spring Break is coming up for many college students, and when you ask a college student if they are going anywhere they usually say, "I'm broke!" That is the typical response you will hear from a college student whether they are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior. This is my junior year of college, and I have never been anywhere for Spring Break, because over break I usually try and work more. I want to save money to pay for summer classes, textbooks, and the next school year's tuition. Many of you might be asking, what are some alternatives we can do for Spring Break to still feel like we have a break, even if we are not going anywhere? Some alternatives a person could do would be to save up all three previous Spring Breaks, and then when you are a senior splurge and go somewhere with you friends since it is your last year of college. Another meaningful alternative that a lot of college students are participating in is volunteering over their break. Many colleges, religious organizations, and charity organizations have relief programs for countries that are in need. There have been many devastation's over the past year and many countries could use the helping hands. Many of you might be wondering if the trips cost a fee. Some of the trips do, but sometimes, if enough money has been raised throughout the year, it may be free, or a small fee may come with the trip. I realize the second alternative doesn't seem like a break, but if you are willing to sacrifice your time on a sunny beach, to help out someone that is in need, the reward will be more fulfilling in the end.
Here is a link for more information about alternative Spring Breaks!
Nice blog Christi. I really like the idea of alternative Spring Breaks. When I was a student, most of us never dreamed of going very far away, and the reason was the same--no money. Only rich students went to Cancun!
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I can see that times have changed in other respects. For instance, there are just over five years between my older sisters and me. I know that when they went to college, there were all sorts of grants available to them. But they went to college in the '70s. By the time, I went in the '80s, those grants existed no more, or, if they were still around, they were only for the poorest of students. My age group went to school on loans. Yet, living on a residential campus, few of us worked. School was considered our job, and no one really felt guilty or lazy for being a full-time student. In fact, it was what was expected of us. The idea was that if you did not work you could put your whole mind into school. Today, most students work it seems, and it is admirable how this generation has been willing to foot its own bills. The alternative Spring Break is a fantastic idea. One way or another I think that students who have worked so hard both in school and out of school should pay themselves in this small way before going off to full-time employment. It is great that they might also help someone else in the process.
I really liked this blog post. I have never been anywhere for spring break because I either played a spring sport in high school or just did not have the money. I like the idea of an alternative spring break, but I know for a fact that most college students will not think of it has being a "vacation" or a "break" from anything. I guess it just depends on the person. This is my third year in college and the pervious spring breaks I have made a project for myself. Something that I know will put me at ease and let me take a breather, but also getting something accomplished. For example, this spring break I took on redoing my bathroom. Enjoyable to me, but like I said, some others would rather be sleeping in or laying out on a beach elsewhere. It all depends on the person and the money that you are willing to spend, if you even have any.
ReplyDeleteExperiencing first hand spring break as a college student was not what it was all made out to be. I thought i would have fun but after i was disappointed, i had spent too much money, my friends didnt agree and we all went home broke, busted and disgusted.It will never happen again. Spring break vacation is not for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post. Spring break is such a huge issue for college students. It's that time mid-semester when everyone is ready for a break and to go another day without relaxation might be torture. I love the ideas you presented. I think they are fabulous alternatives to a full blown spring break. To do volunteer work over a spring break is an awesome idea. Not only will it be self fulfilling, but it is also going to look good on resumes for future jobs. I am only a sophomore and I am going to highly consider that spring break alternative over the next two years!
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