When most people think of spring break, they think of relaxation, vacation and, most of all, a true break from reality. However, some students live out real-life examples of a quieter reality, staying in Oxford for break.
“I have some pretty big summer plans to travel with my family, so I decided that I would lay low for this break,” Sophie Satterwhite, a sophomore allied health studies major, said.
Satterwhite said staying in Oxford for the break has its perks and downsides.
“I think most students plan on leaving, because any chance to get a change of scenery with no school or work is like a dream,” Satterwhite said. “I get plenty of rest time, but without my friends, Oxford feels so empty. On the bright side, traffic has been amazing.”
Ivy Black, a sophomore journalism major, said she believes most people treat the week off as a time to go on vacation.
“I think most people plan to travel because it is really fun to have the freedom with your friends on a beach or in a different country,” Black said.
Alternatively, Black said she used the break to set personal goals for herself.
“I want to set a goal to go to Lamar Park to walk every day,” Black said. “I think the week can go by really fast when you set goals you want to accomplish.”
While some students will use the break as an opportunity to explore and be productive, others say the week is simply about rest and recovery.
Sulross Arnold, a sophomore political science and general business double major, said the break was a relief in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern.
“I needed it (badly),” Arnold said. “I kind of went into a spiral following the storm. It will be nice to recuperate.”
Sophomore psychology major Molly Falcon said she appreciated the break.
“I’m loving the week off,” Falcon said. “It’s so nice and definitely needed after midterms. Since school and work have been so hectic, it’s nice to be here without all the responsibilities.”
“Staying in Oxford is definitely more relaxing because I don’t have the hustle of going somewhere and catering to the other people I’m with,” Falcon said. “Although it would be fun the first few days to be on vacation, I know I’d definitely miss being home in my own bed.”
The slower pace during spring break feels different than a regular school schedule, Falcon said.
“This (past) week, I’ve been able to take things day by day rather than following a strict schedule with deadlines,” Falcon said.
Gracie Huff, a sophomore exercise science major, is using the break to plan for her future.
“I stayed in Oxford because I wanted to relax and find a job to have throughout the rest of my college career,” Huff said.
Huff said she treated the break as a well-needed retreat.
“I see the break as relaxing,” Huff said. “I get overwhelmed very fast, so having a week to myself, I enjoy it more than most would. I also plan to sleep in more and … stay up late because I know I won’t have obligations the next day.”
