College is a lot of work. Tests, papers and assignments fill most of our time. Slowly over the semester, your blood becomes infused (in some cases replaced) with coffee, and your main motivation for waking up is going back to sleep that night. You know what I’m talking about.
Alas, in your lowest moment, midterms arrive. Talk about kicking you while you’re down. Over the hill that is midterms, a bright light shines. With that light, we find rejuvenation for our now weary and down-trodden brains. That light is spring break.
Spring break is the golden nectar of the college world. With those nine days of freedom, the world is at your fingertips. Often, the question asked is “But where do we go?”
I’ll do what I can to help.
1. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio Everyone loves a good theme park, so why not go to the one that has the most attractions? Cedar Point has 72 rides, which is a world record. Cedar Point is about 12.5 hours away, allowing a road trip to be easily tackled by a team of four drivers and a few beef jerky pouches. On the way there, you’ll be able to stop in St. Louis and Indianapolis, both of which are excellent places to buy airbrushed T-shirts, slushies or dream catchers to hang from your rear view mirror. The drive to Cedar Point offers pleasantries along the journey nearly on par with those awaiting you upon arrival.
2. Ski Trip, mountains, USA Spending a week carving fresh powder seems out of the reach of college students. It’s a 16+ hour drive, and it isn’t the cheapest option. You need a place to stay, and you need gear. It’s a lot to take on in the planning stages. Thankfully, www.collegeskitrips.com offers search features that allow you to view student discounts that apply to ski resorts, hotels and rental companies. When you pile on discounts, you can save a large sum of money and still get a legitimate week in the mountains. It may require more planning than other trips, but it is most definitely worth the time.
3. Ponca, Ark.
Ponca is the takeoff for many hiking and backpacking trails all along the Buffalo National Forest, which provides chances to canoe, backcountry camp, ride horses, fish and view the herd of elk that roam through the forest.
Not far from the community center lies Hemmed-In Hollow, the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians at 209 feet. Ponca is about a three-hour drive from campus. If you’re looking to get in touch with your outdoorsy side or just truly unplug for a week, look into spending time in Ponca.
As daunting or stressful as planning a spring break trip may be, it is worth your investment. You are only given four during your time at Harding, and at the end of the day, college is a time to make memories. A free week to go nearly wherever you want is too valuable to be wasted.
Finish all your homework before you leave, and go enjoy a week of no obligation to school work.
