Spring break options for college students

March 01--When asked what comes to mind when they hear the words "Spring Break," several students replied with everything from sleep, no homework, vacation, friends, fun, road trips, and freedom.

"Spring break is a much needed break from the daily grind," said Kaleb Snyder, 23, and senior at Northern State University. "I think all students, teachers, too, need this break."

This year, Snyder said he's not taking a huge trip like he did last year. Instead, he's driving back home to St. Cloud, Minn., and spending time with his family.

"No big plans this year," he added. "I want to take it easy this year and just relax. Laying around the house and not having to worry about class or work will be enough for me."

NSU junior Leah Darden, 21, was in the same boat as Snyder last year at this time.

"When spring break rolled around, I didn't want to do anything but sleep," Darden said. "Being a full-time student and trying to work 30-35 hours a week really took it's toll on me. I probably deserved a lavish spring break."

Spring break 2011, will be different for Darden. She leaves for Miami on Saturday March 5 with her older brother and two friends.

"It should be fun," She added. "I've never been to Florida. I can't wait to take in the nice weather, the beach and all the sights in Miami."

Darden also said she'll get to experience her first NBA game while on spring break. She's has tickets for an upcoming Miami Heat game against the Portland Trailblazers on March 8.

"I'm so excited to see the Heat," she said. "I'm a huge, huge Mike Miller fan."

Kris Olson, 22, and a junior at NSU, will also hit the road for spring break. He'll be heading out to the Black Hills to meet up with friends at Terry's Peak, a popular ski lodge located near Deadwood.

"This will be the second year in a row that my friends and I will meet up out there," Olson said. "Last year, there was about 10 of us and we had a great time. It was the first time we were all of age and could go into Deadwood and enjoy the nightlife atmosphere. Again, I'm looking forward to this."

Instead of relaxing on a sandy beach or in a ski resort this spring break, there are some students that will travel around the country and volunteer for a variety of social justice causes. Known as "alternative spring breaks," these are public service-oriented trips that focus on volunteerism and education about social justice issues. From rebuilding homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina to helping improve the environment, these trips can open students' eyes to both issues, said Samantha Johnson, 21, NSU's Students Engaging in Responsibility, Volunteerism and Empowerment (S.E.R.V.E.) coordinator.

"I think most students get involved because they get to travel," Johnson said. "Then once they're educated on the issue, I think they feel the need to help -- and that's what S.E.R.V.E. is all about."

The student organization has about 22 members including site leaders and NSU staffers. For this year's alternative spring break, S.E.R.V.E. students will take their services to South Carolina and Oregon to help with environmental issues.

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Copyright (c) 2011, American News, Aberdeen, S.D