Some of you are just getting back from spring break. Others of you may be packing your bags as we speak. And the rest of you are wondering where everyone went, why they went and whether they are ever coming back. Welcome to the annual spring break migration.
Do you ever wonder where this whole spring break thing came from? Originally, it was described as “a short academic vacation for students,” which sounds about as exciting as a pamphlet on proper pencil storage. By the 1930s, however, things started to change.
College swim teams began heading to Florida in search of warm weather and better training conditions. Somewhere along the way, that turned into college students heading south in search of sunshine, questionable decisions and stories they may or may not remember. Then came the 1960 book and movie “Where the Boys Are,” which more or less sealed spring break’s reputation as a beachside rite of passage. And a tradition was born — one involving sand, sunburns and a surprising lack of sleep.
These days, spring break isn’t just for college students. Kids of all ages now expect vacations that look like travel ads. Parents, somehow, keep agreeing to this. I can only assume there’s a strong desire for warm weather — or a stronger desire to avoid hearing “I’m bored” 400 times a day.
When I was growing up, spring break wasn’t even called spring break. It was Easter break. You got Thursday and Friday off, you went to church, and, by Monday, you were back in your desk, trying to remember what you learned before the holiday ham. No flights. No beach parties. No elaborate itineraries. Just a couple of days off and maybe some leftover candy if you played your cards right.
By the time I got to college, I was fully aware of what I was missing. Spring break looked like a great time — at least on TV. But, while others were heading to the beach, I was heading home. It was difficult for me to justify spending hundreds of dollars on a trip when I was already borrowing money just to stay in school.
So I worked a few odd jobs, spent time with family and occasionally caught MTV’s spring break coverage from Daytona Beach. From my couch, it looked like an absolute blast. From my bank account’s perspective, staying home was the real victory.
My senior year, I came close. A company was advertising bus trips to Florida, and I was tempted. Very tempted. But graduation was around the corner, and my car was one strong gust of wind away from retirement. In the end, I chose a down payment over a beach trip. Responsible? Yes. Regrettable? Also yes — at least a little.
The truth is that people spend money differently. Some invest in experiences — trips, vacations, memories. Others invest in things — houses, cars, something they can point to and say, “There it is.”
Neither approach is right or wrong, though one group usually comes back with better stories and the other comes back with better credit.
So, whether you spent spring break on a beach, on a road trip or right here at home, I hope you enjoyed it.
Have a memorable Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com
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