Students should spend spring break productively
Spring break is nearly upon us, and many of us have already made plans. I, for one, will be working and saving money for next semester’s textbooks.
Many of the people I have talked to also say they have similar agendas for their breaks. Some say they are going on mission trips, while others say they will be working. Both are important, but it is also good to remember to have fun.
Thinking back to some of my weekends throughout the semester, I wasted a lot of precious time that could have been spent doing something more productive. In the time I spent playing video games or watching movies, I could have been reestablishing my school routine — which I am sad to admit has been completely distorted since the beginning of the semester. I could have also been reevaluating my goals.
Therefore, I have promised myself that I will not allow the same to happen this spring break, and I urge my fellow Coyotes to do the same.
One thing that could be fun this spring break would be to take a trip to somewhere warmer than South Dakota. However, the trips that are fun can also be costly.
A trip to Mexico or California is not far from the top of my desired trip destinations. How couldn’t I be absolutely entranced by the idea of sitting by the beach watching the waves? The only thing keeping me from traveling hundreds of miles is the price tag that comes along with the trip.
Another fun way to spend spring break would be to go on a volunteer trip. These trips can be revitalizing and tend to be cheaper. They also provide a way to give back to your community.
According to statistics from the Center for Academic and Global Engagement, I am not alone in thinking that spring break would be better spent volunteering or traveling. Forty eight University of South Dakota students are going on four separate AWOL trips, 11 USD students are going on a service learning trip to Guatemala and 41 USD chamber singers are traveling in Europe this spring break.
If traveling seems a bit too much, don’t fear — volunteering in your local community is just as great as going somewhere else to volunteer. There are websites like the Helpline Center, which list new volunteer opportunities you can apply for or go to within your local area.
Whatever you do, don’t waste your time. You have a whole week to do something productive. You could discover a new passion in that time.
For one reason or another, I haven’t quite been able to do all that I set out to do because of my hectic schedule. However, this spring break, I know I’m going to be more productive, and I am going to start by volunteering in our local community.
