Spring break is here.
Though the semester transition brought change for students in the classroom and on campus, many are discovering the switch’s effects aren’t limited to Athens.
Without the quarter system’s definite break between terms, going home seems more rational to students such as Joel Hafner, a sophomore studying media studies. Hafner said his plans for spring break don’t include wild nights — instead, he’ll spend the week unwinding at home.
“Last year, I went to Panama City Beach,” he said. “But, I want a more relaxing break this year … I miss being with my family.”
Daniel Blank, a freshman studying mechanical engineering, said making the trek home to work at a hay farm in Chatfield, Minn., is more of a financial decision.
“Why should I spend the money if I don’t need to?” he said.
Those still looking to travel are finding ways to get around in the cheapest way possible.
Roommates Luke Kubacki, a freshman studying global studies and communication, and Jeremy Weinreich, a freshman who has yet to declare a major, plan to tour some of America’s biggest cities along the East Coast, utilizing convenient accommodations and connections along the way.
“We’re staying at (Jeremy’s) house in Washington, D.C.,” Kubacki said. “When we go to New York City, I have a friend who goes to NYU … When we go to Boston, I have a friend there, too.”
For some, an earlier spring break makes it hard to coordinate plans with friends and family.
“I have a younger brother whose break is later, so we can’t plan a family trip,” said Olivia Fallon, a freshman studying early childhood education. “Even if we could, it would be too cold to try to go anywhere.”
Others, however, plan on spending spring break with their student organizations.
The Ohio University men’s and women’s crew teams, for example, are spending the week at Camp Bob Cooper in Summerton, S.C., preparing for the spring season.
“(The trip) gives me something more productive to do than going home and something cheaper than going to Myrtle Beach,” said Nate Shoemaker, a freshman studying exercise physiology and novice on the men’s team.
Cru, Women’s Chorale, The Singing Men of Ohio as well as several Greek organizations will take group trips of their own.
Students are also using the week-long hiatus as an opportunity to give back with “Go Beyond Athens: Spring Break Service Trip in Appalachia.” The trip allows students to give back to Southeast Ohio and have a little fun, said Barbara Harrison, assistant director of the Campus Involvement Center for off-campus living and community service.
“There is value in folks who go to help after Hurricane Katrina or Sandy,” she said. “At the same time, the location we’re in has some pretty great needs economically and environmentally.”
Students will spend four days working through United Campus Ministries and Rural Action on projects including trail building in Nelsonville.
Interim Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones said in the five years she has worked in both the vice president’s and dean’s offices, she remembers only two instances of inappropriate Bobcat behavior outside of the campus during breaks.
“Still remember, you are a Bobcat no matter where you are, and that you are an ambassador (for) Ohio University,” Hall-Jones said.
mg986611@ohiou.edu
