Spring Break

ISO - April 2010 e-Newsletter

ISO is always an advocate of working hard and playing equally hard (if you read last month’s e-newsletter, and we certainly hope you did—you’ll know about our love for Frisbee golf). Now that spring break is nearing for so many university students, you deserve a break away from professors, homework and the devastating crush that (can be) the day- to-day routine. Here at ISO we thought we would ask you, the university students, what spring break means to you and how you’ll be celebrating the break.

Below, please find two submissions by ISO members, highlighting what they think is important about this time of year and how we all spend free time away from our usual responsibilities:

Spring Break

By Silver Ibenye

“Whoa it’s been a tough but great first half of the semester, I deserve a break, to unwind and enjoy myself”…is the thought of many students including myself. Whether it’s a vacation or a staycation everyone is planning to have fun, to toss aside the thoughts of homework, projects, case studies and the like.

But we also should know that even though the spring break is an opportunity to have fun and relax, it is also an opportunity for many other things. Remember, life continues outside and after school. This break could be an opportunity to discover one’s self, to reflect and meditate, to plan ahead, to generate ideas, to help a friend and to be with family.

It’s so easy to lose track of these things, we come back thinking we had a great time but actually misused the opportunity we had.

So whether you are going to the beauties of South America, the elegance of Africa or going to be at home, remember that apart from education, there are other life obligations that need your attention.

Have a lovely and fulfilling spring break.

SPRING BREAK in the Northeast

By Rosmaryen

One of the most desirable times during the year for students is springtime. Icy temperatures, closed roads, and messy streets are not an ideal situation to be able to hang out and enjoy all the events, cultural activities or the natural environments around us. Often, we find ourselves at home looking at the snow and rain all day long.

For these reasons, spring break is the ideal time to start enjoying and preparing for summer (the best and most desirable time of year, if you ask me). A perfect getaway during spring involves nature. If you leave in NY, NJ, CT, or any place close to upstate NY, consider visiting Hudson Valley, Kingsland Point Park, Bear Mountain State Park, Sterling Forest State Park, to name a few. There are so many activities that you can choose from: go hiking, ride a bike, have a BBQ, join a tour on the Hudson River or get fresh produce from local farmers markets. Take the Metro North train or a bus at Port Authority for very reasonable fares.

You will enjoy having an excellent view, and having brunch or dinner next to the river. It is perfect to forget (for a while, at least) all the stress cause by school finals, combined with the daily rush in the subways and streets of the Big City. You can spend days or the weekend at cozy hotels that will not hurt your budget.

When springtime is over, good experiences and pictures will remain for life.