Spring Break is right around the corner and I think everyone can agree it’s a much needed break from this semester. Whether you’re going home, working or flying somewhere warm, it’s nice to relax for a bit.

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“Spring Break” is strongly associated with partying, drinking and sleeping around. This stereotype is perpetuated in popular culture such as movies (Spring Breakers), TV shows (“Friends”: Season 6, Episode 19), documentaries (Liberated: The New Sexual Revolution) and the mentality of students of what Spring Break should be. It started in the 1930s with popular spring break locations such as Florida and Mexico. The interesting history behind “spring break” goes back to the Greeks and Romans: the arrival of spring is associated with fertility and was heavily celebrated. Over the years popular spring break locations became raunchier and trashier to the point where “spring break” is now associated with debauchery (portrayed perfectly in the film Spring Breakers).

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Even though many may enjoy the crazy wild parties at the beach, not everyone can afford to go places or care to. Giulia Porro, a junior double majoring in international business and marketing said, “I’m going with one of my best friends to my favorite city, New York City. Our only plan is to explore the city, wherever that may lead us!” She sees it as a much needed getaway.

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Henry McIlvaine, a junior material science engineering major at University Park said, “This spring break I will be headed back to Philadelphia to spend spring break and my birthday with my family.” Not everyone is interested in partying it up at the beach and frankly, not many college students can afford to do so. However some students are lucky enough to have parents pay for their trip such as Taylor Montagna, a sophomore double major in mathematics and secondary math education. Her and her roommate are headed to Clearwater, Florida. She said, “I’m looking forward to spending time at the beach and being in warm weather. We are excited to go on a dolphin tour and get away for a few days to relax!”

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I myself am going to Davie, Florida (right next to Fort Lauderdale) with my boyfriend for the week. His grandmother was extremely generous in giving us her airline miles so we didn’t have to pay for the airline tickets. We’re staying with some of my family, meaning that we don’t have to worry about paying to stay somewhere or eating out every day. I’ve never been to Florida before so I’m very excited, especially since I’m not breaking the bank. We plan on going to the beach a lot, relaxing, visiting Miami and hanging out with my family. Overall, spring break is a time to relax and have fun with family and/or friends so at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you decide to do! Don’t feel compelled to go on an expensive trip when instead you can save up for the future - that’s a lot more important.