We’ve all reached that point in the semester when we wake up in the morning and think, “do I really need to go to class?” We’ve turned over our books, and we’re going through Netflix like there’s no tomorrow. We give up the oh-so-fun times in the library, to see what’s new down Eagle Row. With Spring Break ’round the corner, how can anyone expect us to focus? So, the most pressing question at this point really isn’t what your professor assigned as homework. Rather, it’s time to start pondering which Spring Breaker you are, or hey—maybe even who you plan to be this time.
The Cliché
If you’re headed to Cancún, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, or Miami, congratulations: you’re the college cliché, living up to people’s expectations of what college is like. Sure, you can say that you’re just so done with Atlanta’s bipolar weather condition and that you’re just headed to relax. But it’s okay, we all know; these places have been dubbed the party destinations, and they’re hyped (dare I say, over-hyped?) a great deal for good reason. They’re what constitute the collegiate definition of Spring Break and, like a good student, you’ll happily pack a bag full of beachwear and drive across state lines to make the most of a blissful week of impulsive decisions.
The Budget
With every thought you have and every decision you make, the first thing you factor is the cost. This needn’t be because you’re short of funds—oh no. You’re just trying to be a responsible adult, and make sure you Spring Break the right way. In all probability, you’re the planner of your group, so you take it on yourself to make sure everything goes smoothly. Obviously, this means you have to know everything. Obviously. So, you spend weeks number crunching while your friends just sit. But it doesn’t stop—next thing you know, you’re at the beach, mentally totaling the cost of buying a drink compared to filling up the gas tank.
The Freshie
The Spring Break rookie: new to college, new to this incredible amount of freedom. One week, no classes, no professors, no stress. So, you let yourself go. You’re at the mercy of impulsivity, where thoughts have no room in this week. You’re here to party and nothing less, but a whole lot more. This also means your friends are your caretakers and, while they run around trying to stop you from taking a midnight plunge in the ocean, you’re having the time of your life.
The Veteran
Another year, another spring break. No big. You’re probably really there to just chill. Not like those crazy freshmen. Kids, I tell you.
The Buzzkill
School’s out, and everybody’s here to relax and have a good time. Sure, you are too…but somehow, you’re having a hard time doing that. But no worries—‘we get it.’ The beach’s sand is too hot. Your feet hurt. You’re tired. You’re bored. You’ve done spring break so many times, its become kind of monotonous. There are too many people. There are too few people. Even out here, away from classes and away from Emory, you complain about classes. Oh, and best of all, you don’t like most people’s plans. I guess, all I have to say is good luck to your friends.
The Out-of-the-Box
Mexico? Florida? Nah. Alternative Spring Break, national parks, true adventure. Those are the kinds of things that interest you. To you, Spring Break is just an extended, week-long frat party. Seeing as you get enough of that on campus, it’s time to break the monotony. Do something different, out-the-box, out-of-the-blue. You’re the epitome of adventure, and all us clichés…we respect you being you.
Family Girl
A week or more off from college is long enough to fly back home and see your family. It doesn’t mean you don’t want to spend this time with your friends, it just means that you want to see your family. Speaking on behalf of every international student out there, I wish I could be you. But since I can’t, college cliché works just fine for me. Just fine.
So, as you gear up for this upcoming holiday, try to evaluate: which one are you? Although, at the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter—Spring Break is coming, and it’s going to be a blast!