Some people say money is the root of all evil, and it seems especially true when it comes to deciding what plans to make for that week of relaxation known as spring break.
This year, while some students are traveling to tropical islands, skiing down the slopes or putting endless amounts of money into slot machines, the rest will be trying to find other means of entertainment.
Sophomore Ashley Christiansen said she wishes she could afford to go somewhere outside her hometown of Parker, but she doesn’t have the money.
“I will basically be doing nothing all week, except for driving up to Overland Park to work at Abercrombie & Fitch a couple of times,” Christiansen said. “It’s kind of a given that I won’t be doing anything over spring break because my family always saves up to go on a big vacation during the summer.”
Though some students prefer a change of scenery, a few others are looking forward to the comforts of home. Sophomore Carissa Nichols said she plans on staying around her hometown of Hiawatha for most of the week.
“I don’t really have anything too big planned for this spring break, but then again, every year I’ve always just had a low-key break. I actually kind of like it that way,” Nichols said. “I am planning on taking a day trip with my mom to go shopping in Topeka and watching a lot of basketball.”
Baker University’s sports teams are able to take advantage of spring break by traveling to different states and competing against schools they normally would not have the chance to.
Sophomore Matt Hodges said the men’s soccer team is traveling to Canada for the week, and junior Melissa Shank said both the women’s and men’s tennis teams are heading to California to compete.
“It’s definitely nice to get to go somewhere like California instead of going back home for the week or doing homework,” Shank said. “I couldn’t think of anything better to do than play tennis right next to the ocean.”
Unfortunately, because Baker’s break is at a different time than the majority of other universities, it is hard for students to find time to see their friends from other places.
“I really don’t like how our spring break is a week before everyone else’s because I am usually at home while all my high school friends are still at school,” Nichols said. “I have decided to go up to Washburn University to see a friend perform in an opera, which will be fun and nice to have a change of atmosphere.”
If going back home does not strike an interest, there are always weekend road trips to make spring break a little more exciting.
“I know a lot of my friends usually go up to The Lake of the Ozarks and go shopping at the outlet mall up there, or go to St. Louis to visit Six Flags and Union Station,” Christiansen said. “If nothing else just get in the car with a couple of friends and drive – you never know what you might find by accident.”
Junior George Maxwell said he has decided to take a weekend road trip to St. Louis with some of his friends.
“I figured I would go see the arch or something, maybe even visit a beer brewery to make my visit worthwhile,” Maxwell said. “It doesn’t really matter where I go, just anything to get out of Kansas for a little bit.”