Why a Stereotypical Spring Break is Unrealistic and Overrated

Maybe this is the junior (basically senior) coming out of me, but I’ve recently realized that I’m over the hype of spring break. To be fair, I never really had a Miami Beach, Caribbean Island-style spring break trip that left me tan and happily tired, but I have been fortunate enough to travel the past few years to visit friends, and let me tell you, it’s expensive.

Coronavirus aside for now, the idea of spring break has caused me more stress than I would like to admit. From the cost of plane tickets and hotels, to figuring out what all can be done in just one week, I would rather stay on campus or go home so I can just sleep the time away.

 

The past two spring breaks I have traveled to Penn State and Europe in order to visit hometown friends. Don’t get me wrong, the trips were really fun, and I will cherish the memories I made forever, but when I was looking to go back over to Europe this year, I realized how much money I was spending on things like this. Spending that money just left me anxious and drained; I have come to a point in my life where I am more worried about my future than I am about the present and having a good time.

That sounds really sad, I know, but just for now, as I am thinking about my impending graduation, I am taking every precaution I can to prepare myself for the future in adulthood. And I realized, I can have just as much fun by just giving myself the well-deserved, sleep and movie-filled break I need. Going home is hectic sometimes, but usually my mom will give me the week to relax since that’s all I am normally home for. I know it’s not good to stay holed up in my room, alone, but I need some time with myself every once in a while to recharge.

I was already planning on going home for spring break before everything blew up with the coronavirus and online classes, but now I’m really glad that I did. Otherwise, I would be stuck on campus feeling like I couldn’t leave my room, or visiting my friend in Spain, where I would either get stuck or my trip would have been canceled entirely.

 

My goal here isn’t to put down anyone that does go all-out for spring break because I would love to be on the beach sometimes instead of in slightly-chilly, slightly-humid Pittsburgh, but I just want people to understand that spring break isn’t always what it is chalked up to be. Most college students can barely afford extravagant trips in these four years. I have been lucky enough to get my spring break flights in the past few years paid for as Christmas presents from my parents, but with covering everything else, I have lost a lot of money over the last two years. I don’t wish to take back those experiences, I just wish I would watch my money usage more (that can also be blamed on my shopping addiction too though).

So please, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, have a great time and stay safe. Just remember, the quality of your spring does not have to do with the place that you go or the money that you spend on the trip; it’s all about your happiness and where you feel comfortable and relaxed during this hectic time. Go to your happy place, and don’t let the world bring you down.

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