Students bust ‘party-hardy’ stereotypes

Spring break. A week of absolute freedom–parties, alcohol, drugs and one night stands.

College students around the world travel to breathtaking venues every year to celebrate the biggest party of the year. What are you planning this year? Spring break 2010 is fast approaching, and students all over are raving about the school-free week.

Here at the University, students are researching locations, choosing destinations and making plans in hopes to jump-start the much-needed break. Many college and university students consider spring break a rite of passage.

Thousands of young people head out each year expecting to have the time of their lives. The term “spring break” connotes partying, getting wasted and making stupid decisions.

For many University students, spring break is a time of mental refreshing, a time to catch up with friends and spend some quality time with loved ones. Journalism major Jad Dusek, a junior from Mineola, is escaping to Daytona Beach, Fla., with his family to soak up the sun. “I just can’t wait to play some golf and go surfing,” Dusek said.

Sandy beaches not your cup of tea? You may decide to go on a ski trip with your friends like sophomore Rachel Hackbarth, public relations major from Tyler. Hackbarth plans to ski the slopes, drink some hot cocoa and lounge by a cozy fire. Other University students are focusing on the less fortunate this spring break.

The University’s office of community relations is offering students an “Alternative Spring Break Trip” with a community service opportunity. Students plan to work with Habitat for Humanity in the Galveston area helping to restore the community to its former beauty. Sophomore Alex Galaviz, a business major from Diboll, plans to do just that. “I just hope I can help make a difference,” Galaviz said.

Some University students are staying put this spring break, including senior Rachel Scott, a nursing major and native Tylerite. “I really need some peace and quiet,” Smith said. She is ready to kick back and relax after a grueling first half of a semester filled with tortuous tests and 12-hour clinical days. Then there are the students planning to party—exactly how the world views spring break. It’s a time for them to let loose, get wild and have the time of their lives.

There are countless fantastic spring-break destinations the world has come to love and know. Hot spots for 2010 include several in Mexico and Florida because they continue to live up to their reputations year in and year out. The top, sizzling spring-break destinations for this year are Lake Havasu, Ariz.; Panama City, Fla.; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; South Padre Island, Texas; Negril, Jamaica; Daytona Beach, Fla; Cancun, Mexico; Miami Beach, Fla Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Spring break 2010 is March 8 through March 12 for University students. So whether you are going to spend time with family and friends, rebuild a city or party like a rock star, make sure to have fun and be safe. My family and I are heading to our former home in Panama City, Fla., where the beaches are white, and the sun is shining bright.