No matter where you are going for spring break, preparations begin up to months before you depart. Whether you are going on vacation with your family, your friends, or going home, there are many things that you plan to do before break begins, but just don't come around to do. Now that my spring break is in a couple days and practically none of my goals have been reached, I decided to reflect on the expectations vs. realities of preparing for spring break.
1. You do well on all of your midterms so that you can relax and celebrate over break
Reality: You end up watching hours of Netflix to numb the overwhelming anxiety you have for your upcoming exams rather than actually studying. When you realize it's too late to begin, you just assume that the one lecture you went to will be all you need to succeed. I guess you'll just rely on your finals?
2. You'll try to eat super healthy so you have your dream bikini body
Reality: You start off the week eating yogurt and salad, but find yourself finishing strong with pizza and cookies. It was midterm week, so you blame it on the stress. I get it, you wanted to show people from high school your glow up. I guess there's always summer break!
3. You'll try to exercise every day so your body is super toned and muscular
Reality: Not only do you want to be skinny, but have a six pack of a Big 10 athlete as well. So, you to the gym on Monday, but just find yourself "too busy" to walk all the way to exercise (AKA, you're too preoccupied watching TV in bed). You walk to class every day so I guess that's enough.
4. You will order new bathing suits and cute outfits
Reality: Because who doesn't want a bomb Instagram that proves to the people at your college how cool and trendy you are? To procrastinate doing work, weeks before break, you online shop on every website you know, adding hundreds of things into the carts. You then ask your mom if you can order it all, but of course, she says no so you have to just leave them in the cart for next year. I guess you're going to have to wear your summer clothes from 2 years ago.
5. Look super tan, as if you've been sunbathing for days before
Reality: Who wants to be in a bathing suit looking like you haven't seen the sun in 100 years? No matter where you are, you make sure you get a spray tan so that you look (and feel) like a Victoria Secret model. You think it's going to come out perfect and natural, but sadly the spray tan comes out orange and you burn over it immediately once arriving. At least you tried!
6. Have the best spring break ever!
Reality: Obviously you think you're going to have the time of your life. Not to be discouraging — maybe you will! But you will most likely have a decent, uneventful break that is not nearly as long as it should be. Not to mention that once you go back, you have to face your failing grades and upcoming assignments. Maybe next year will be more fun?
