The temperature drops, the snow arrives, winter returns and the University community begins to plan for spring break in March.
There are plenty of vacation opportunities for students to take advantage of this year. Advertisements are posted around promoting traditional spring break trips to places like Daytona Beach or Cancun.
Some students are staying local, like Angela Saucier, a senior in political science.
“If there’s snow I am going to snowmobile and ski.”
Gesyca Hagelin, a freshman at USM, plans on going to her parent’s bed and breakfast in Kennebunkport for a couple of days. “It’s just so relaxing there”, she said.
However, some students are taking advantage of alternative spring break trips to promote community service across the country.
This year’s spring breaks will travel to Florida. One group will work with Habitat for Humanity. While the other will attend Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island to work with a nature conservancy.
It is the second year that the Habitat for Humanity trip has been offered, however the Jupiter Island nature conservancy is a new addition to the alternative spring break options.
Some students are returning from past alternative spring break trips.
Rob Richardson, a sophomore in media studies, Pat Rand, a senior in therapeutic recreation, and Katie Corbett, a senior in psychology, will be going on the trip for a second time. They worked on two houses last year; they refurbished one and moved the production of a second house along by about four or five weeks.
“It was great, it was an opportunity to get away and do something constructive.” Rand said, “We had a really fun time last year, we worked right alongside the families, it was very rewarding.”
Richardson felt very positive about his experience also.
“It was a great opportunity to help and have an enjoyable vacation.”
First time alternative spring break students are excited to help and bring service to a needed area.
“It seemed like something that would give back while giving away,” said Christopher Amato, a junior communication major.
The alternative spring break group will have a dinner dance on March 9, from 7 to 11:30 p.m. to fundraise for their spring trips. If students are interested in this event, should call 632-7701 for tickets.
The trip scheduled to Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia was cancelled.
Staff writer Missy Remillard can be contacted at: [email protected]