LINDSEY BOERMA
Living Assistant
As the spring break countdown for numerous universities around the world ticks its final beats, college students everywhere are undoubtedly itching to hop on the next plane. They want to go on a coveted vacation destination like Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean or Southern California. Yet, with Pepperdine students already spending the school year in warm and sunny Malibu, it’s hard to find a better vacation spot. Well, troubled students — fret no more. Here’s a five-step guide to ensure that your upcoming spring break will not only cause your enemies to boil with envy, but your friends to lift you on their shoulders with shouts of joy at your astounding rejuvenation.
Step One: Think outside the beach
When most college students think of spring break, a beachfront mansion with a dance party and outdoor barbecue pit come to mind. However, at risk of bursting several bubbles, I must enforce the fact this vision may not depict reality. A setting of perfectly shaped boys and girls bobbing around to ridiculous eighties pop music at a house large enough to be mistaken for a hospital is not an easy thing to track down. So instead of treading all over the United States on a mission to find the perfect beach party, try vacationing somewhere that isn’t so cliché. Maybe you would enjoy the winter weather of the East Coast. Perhaps you could attend a mission trip to New Orleans. Or, maybe the polar bears in Alaska strike your fancy. Whatever the case, try to choose a destination that’s unlike anywhere you’ve ever been.
Step Two: Toss the planner aside
Yes, I’m talking to you — the student who obsessively compulsively jots down every thought that has ever trickled through his or her mind. Challenge yourself to one whole week without plans. By not being bogged down with what you have to do, you can focus on the sporadic things that emerge that you want to do. Times like spring break call for spontaneity. Set off on a road trip. Learn a new skill. Go bungee jumping or skydiving. Anything that gets your adrenaline pumping, do it. But be sure to take obnoxious amounts of pictures. After all, when it’s over, even you may not believe it.
Step Three: Don’t be a couch potato
While it may not be the ideal scenario in terms of excitement, going home for spring break is still a plausible option for anyone seeking a little relaxation time. However, relaxing is not interchangeable the same as being a bum. So, set aside a portion of the day in which you can be productive or get out of the house. It doesn’t have to be long — just enough time for you to get something accomplished. Otherwise, when the black hole of doom that is the end of spring break approaches, you will forget it even happened.
Step Four: Embrace sleep
We are at a point in our lives in which sleeping massive amounts is a necessity. Unfortunately, we are also at a point in which sleeping more than six hours a night is a victory worthy of Super Bowl status. So, just because you shouldn’t stake out the living room couch for the entirety of your spring break doesn’t mean you can’t catch up on some sleep. If possible, allow at least one day on which you do not set an alarm. Pull down your shades, turn off your cell phone and sleep until you’re ready to awaken bright-eyed and cheery.
Step Five: Remember old friends
Truly making the most of your day involves enjoying yourself for at least a little while. So, go ahead and pull out your Playstation controllers. Round up your friends and play a rousing game of Disney Scene It. Go skipping hand-in-hand with your significant other. Whatever you define as “fun,” do it. Better yet, make it something you’ve never done before. You’ll feel extremely pleased with yourself knowing that you’ve not only done something new, but that you also had fun doing it. But remember—moderation is key. We wouldn’t want you to have too much fun now, would we?
03-01-2007