Students Take on New Hobbies and Experiences
By Andre Hoofnagle
After the third quarter, students are often ready to get a break from the regular, relentless school schedule and to finally enjoy some quality time off with no work to worry about. Spring break, which resides between quarter three and quarter four, does just that. This mini vacation is always a time full of traveling to different places, exploring new hobbies and interests, and hanging out with friends and family during the time off. It provides a rest for students and teachers alike before the testing season comes up to give that extra boost in mind readiness and focusness to prevail on the final exams. With more than a week off during the break, it allocates plenty of time for students to do something they enjoy or even catch up on lesson material they may be behind in. Either way, many different paths entail in each students’ life during spring break where the experiences they partake in allow for a rich and productive week to reset.
Since the pandemic, spring break adventures have been limited in what can be done. For instance, traveling to certain places around the world are restricted with the two week quarantines and such. It has become more difficult to fulfill that spring break bucket list this time around due to the coronavirus. Students have had to figure out new ways to keep themselves occupied to be able to clear their mind before heading back to school. Sophomore Alejandro Bernard Romero, who usually goes to Costa Rica during his spring breaks to visit family, wasn’t able to do it this time around because of the virus, displaying just how much the pandemic has affected the plans of many. However, he was still able to make the most out of this break and make the time worthwhile. “I spent some time with my family and friends, got a chameleon, and went to church a lot throughout the break,” said Bernard Romero. Hanging out with the ones you care about is a great way to spend time during the mini vacation, especially when there is a new companion added to the family. In addition to that, utilizing the available time to increase your faith and belief makes for a valuable experience to align oneself for both peace and comfort. Whether it’s getting a new pet for the family or furthering one’s faith, there are many activities that can be taken part in during the week break to make it as fulfilling as possible.
In addition to the many activities that can be conducted during the mini vacation, there are also opportunities to go on road trips to new places during the break. Though it is limited, many students have explored different parts of Florida on break and been able to experience the many opportunities that can be engaged in. Sophomore Parker Meeks explains how over the break, he was able to go to the coast of Florida where it wasn’t as busy. “During spring break, I went to the beach and was able to have a good time with my family,” Meeks said. Going to the beach and catching some sun always helps keep one’s mind off of the stresses of school with AP classes and other rigorous courses. It shows to prove how despite the circumstances, one can still transform it into something unforgettable.
Overall, spring break is a time to remember where friends and family can get together to enjoy some time with one another. Some have been able to travel and venture out into new places, but others whose opportunity doesn’t present itself have had to make the most of it at the comfort of their own home and community. Spring break in a lot of ways serves as a precursor to the summer vacation that lays ahead with the season starting to get warm again. Especially with the fact that there are no days off in the final quarter, spring break provides the only source of fuel to power through the rest of the school year into the summertime. Looking back to the previous year, a lot has changed since last spring break. This year’s break marked the full circle of the pandemic of a year in quarantine. Regardless of the negatives, though, light has been shed on what really matters during the mini vacation, and that is the unification of family during the time available.
