As Spring Break is approaching, we as students need to remember a few important things. Spring Break is all fun and games until someone gets too drunk or, even worse, hurt. Sometimes things can get out of hand, but there are several things that students and mature individuals can remember to have a safe and fun Spring Break without getting themselves and the people around them hurt in the process.
1. Observe your surroundings.
I can't stress this enough. If you are in an area that you are not familiar with -- i.e, a beach, bar, club, etc. -- always make sure that you are paying attention to what is happening around you. Pay attention to not only what is happening around you but what is happening around your friends also.
2. Practice good portions.
I am not saying that you shouldn't drink. That would be idiotic for me to say, but be careful. Too much alcohol can cause bad or even inappropriate decisions. I want to believe that all people have good intentions, but that just isn't true. Friends may have your back, but you need to protect your own first. So be careful and don't overdo it. And if you do, make sure you can make it back to where you are staying safely.
3. Pack the necessities.
Most students who go on spring break remember to bring their bathing suit and alcohol, but some things that are a most that people forget may be Advil, Powerade, sunscreen, plastic baggies, extra towels, laundry detergent, and a small bag of emergency money. Now I know these things sound silly and, yes, maybe you did pack them, but they are important, especially the money. What if your friend gets in trouble? Or perhaps you run out of money for food. You can't really live without that so use those things to your advantage. Also have detergent is smart because who wants to use the same gross towel all week? Not I.
4. Go with people you trust.
The opportunity to go to the beach is always a positive, but not if you aren't with people you know. Going with a huge group of "oh I know them because of a friend's friend" is not a smart idea. The thing is people that don't know you will not care about your safety. Going with people that know you and care about you is the way to stay the safest when it comes to going on spring break.
5. Have fun.
Just have some fun. Don't go overboard. Don't get too lost, but definitely have some fun. You only get to go on spring break a few times in your life especially ones that get to count as a "real" Spring Break. So have fun and be safe. It's all up to you.
