Featured      Archived      Forum

Student Life

FEATURED ARTICLES           Wednesday, September 08, 2010                                Email to a Friend

Spring Break: An Annual Tradition

By Menka Walia

Cabo, Cancun, Daytona Beach, Panama City, and even Montreal – during this time of year, these places ring only one bell: Spring Break! This marks a transition from early morning classes to waking up whenever you want, from the frigid cold weather to warm summer sunshine, from assignments, papers, and tests to skiing or swimming, and partying. I know I’m looking forward to my first Spring Break this year in Montreal.

While watching television shows like Laguna Beach, or MTV’s annual Spring Break coverage, among other TV shows and movies, I could see what all the hype was about. But when did this tradition originally start? Who came up with the brilliant idea of Spring Break?

The foundation of Spring Break originated in Ancient Greece where young people would celebrate the coming of spring (to them it was the season of fertility) with festivals that included drinking and dancing. This concept was then passed on throughout history until it was brought to the attention of American college students in the 1960’s through cinema. There were movies featuring male college students traveling to paradise locations with their female friends, in an attempt to get away from the stresses of school life and have fun.

The 70’s gave way to a much more festive Spring Break as a result of “free love” and the women’s movement, while the 80’s seemed to focus on the needs of the next generation: Generation X. During this decade, Spring Break venues changed from offering just a week long event of doing nothing but drinking to sports like snorkeling, as well as excursions to tourist attractions and theme parks. From there on, Spring Break festivities have carried on to what they are today.

Now for many, like myself, celebrating Spring Break the “conventional” way seems like the best thing ever. However, there are those who’d rather spend Spring Break or Reading Week, as it is also referred to, doing the latter: reading. Now, I’m not what you’d refer to as a “wild, party animal” but I would like to spend one week out of the entire year away from the pressures of school work, commitment and responsibility.

According to the American Medical Association, around 83% of women drink more alcohol during Spring Break and 74% increase their sexual activity. Furthermore, the thought of Spring Break being dangerous wasn’t really an issue to parents and students alike until the disappearance of Natalie Holloway – a high school student who went missing during a graduation trip to Aruba. As a result of this incident, more and more individuals are being exposed to what goes on during Spring Break.

Now, it is true that Spring Break is known for its wild parties, drinking, and sex, among other things, but it is only natural, and a proven fact, that when anyone goes on vacation they tend to spend more, drink more, and party more. However, at the same time I think that individuals should take precautions on their Spring Break trips and use common sense. Don’t travel alone, always stay in a group, keep your valuables safe, don’t leave your drinks unattended, and make sure you carry a cell-phone that works in the country you are staying.

To me, I feel that while being careful, everyone should have a chance to experience Spring Break the way it was meant to be. Get away from all your worries for a week, and experience a wild, fun, yet safe time. After all, why break tradition?

Home    Contact Us    About Us    On Stands Now    Events & Calendar    Forum

Copyright © 2008 Campus Life Magazine. All rights reserved. All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. Reproduction of material from any original Campuslifemagazine.ca pages without written permission is strictly prohibited.