Cancun. New York City. The Bahamas. For thousands of students, Spring Break can lead to some pretty exotic destinations. But what about the rest of us?
Camden Carver, a junior in history education, sums up the reasoning of many homebound students.
“Don’t have the money. Done deal. Ballgame,” he said.
“I wanted to stay at home and see [musician] Sarah Harmer in concert,” Marny Rhodes, a sophomore in business management, said. “That, and I can’t afford to go anywhere else.”
“Family is a big reason [to stay home],” Anna Overby, a sophomore in history education, said. “With tests and meetings and going to work, I barely have time to see them.”
Whether they couldn’t get away from their jobs, needed more naps or just lacked the cash, most home-bound students expect little excitement from the upcoming Spring Break — but in reality, staying home doesn’t detract from the potential of a week away from classes.
Instead of moping around and thinking hatefully of bronzed skin and beach volleyball, a little forethought and a decent game plan will allow this Spring Break to be a memorable one regardless of location.
Volunteer
The much-touted “warm fuzzy feeling” that rewards selfless service tops any Caribbean thrill — and as an added bonus, most don’t forget about their service in the morning.
The Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service offers an Alternative Spring Break program. Connecting with nonprofit organizations around the world, ASB offers students the chance to experience the unique culture and customs of an area while working to promote social justice — whether by building homes with Habitat for Humanity or by tutoring children on a Navajo reservation.
While it’s too late to sign up for these do-gooder vacations, it is still possible to devote a few hours of Spring Break to service.
Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen in downtown Raleigh serves a hot lunch to the homeless on weekdays. To volunteer, simply call its office. If serving Sloppy Joes doesn’t get the pulse racing, Volunteermatch.com offers a search engine that lists the various opportunities available in your ZIP code.
Start a new hobby
With the strain of schoolwork, organizations and club sports temporarily lifted, there’s plenty of time to tackle that unique latent interest. Try your hand at knitting or jewelry-making. Paint your own ceramics at Amazing Glaze in downtown Raleigh. Sign up for shooting lessons at one of the many local firing ranges. Start running. Call the Raleigh YMCA for information on sports classes and finally give tennis or taekwondo a try. Build a model airplane and test it out on a windy March afternoon. No burning desire to try these activities? Spend a few lazy hours Googling “hobbies” and you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.
If the idea of sitting in Raleigh for the entire break still brings on a wave of depression, try to mix it up.
Take a day trip to Hanging Rock and hike one of the trails. The change of scenery and the exercise will boost your mood and give the illusion of travel.
Visit the Factory Stores of America outlet mall in Smithfield, N.C. Since plenty of money has been saved by sticking around the Triangle, you can shop guilt-free.
While the weather still lingers below 50 degrees, drive up to Wintergreen Ski Resort in Virginia and spend a day on the slopes. Mid-week lift tickets carry a hefty discount and translate into less-crowded skiing conditions.
Get a day in the sun by stopping by a tanning salon — a few quick sessions will give you a sun-kissed glow to rival that of any Panama City vacationer. Many salons also offer UV-free Mystic tans that bronze your skin without the hazards of UV-ray exposure. Perking up your winter-white skin — and afterward relishing a day inside with the heat cranked and a swimsuit on — can help channel the Caribbean for the price of a few Pina Coladas.
No one said a $500 plane ticket was necessary for great stories. Make this Spring Break more than just a movie marathon or a weeklong nap.
