Every spring break beacons the same familiar emotional cycle for most college students. At this point, it’s almost habit to go through the steps. The narrative may be different for every spring breaker, but it all feels the same. Sunburn, frat boys, regret.
1. The week before spring break is a panicked frenzy of tests, assignments, and papers.
Wednesday hits and you realize you haven’t packed a thing. Friday rolls around and the anticipation and excitement have peaked, your suitcase is a disaster, will most definitely be over the TSA approved 50 pounds and you will have to pay the extra fee.
2. The day you leave you’re feeling good, a whole week of nothing but sun, booze, and relaxation. What could be better?
You Snapchat your departure and are hype to spend time with your friends, even though the condo might be crowded.
3. Day 1, you’re snapping your cutest pictures and ready yourself to become Instagram famous. Your new duds look great, even though you went way over budget. The drinking commences and day one is a banger.
4. Day 2, starts with a headache and smile on your face, you nurse your sunburn and continue the cycle. Drink, beach, eat, and go out, crash on the couch.
You scroll through your social media and it seems like everyone, including your crush, is living it up. But who is that shady lady smiling in his picture?
5. Day 3-5, your skin is peeling and Jenny is really getting on your nerves.
Travis puked in your toilet for the sixth time, and you’re running low on chasers and anything that looks edible. Resorting to Instagramming your last cute picture, it might create the illusion you’re not stuck inside watching Shameless.
6. Day 6, you go out for one last shebang. Your skin is thoroughly cooked and your tan lines are seriously whacked.
Your stomach is on 10 and you’re really sick of being drunk. Your screen is shattered and every surface in your condo is sticky. Jenny and Travis have hooked up twice and you’re pretty sure Travis has a girlfriend. Your friends have all done embar
7. The plane ride home further dehydrates you but somehow stepping into your familiar airport provides comfort knowing real life is coming at you hot. As crazy and fun as the week was, getting back into a routine will feel pretty good.
8. You arrive at home and lug your suitcase up the stairs, flip open your laptop and realize 6 chapters of reading are due tomorrow, better get cracking. Unpacking can wait until tomorrow.
Every year, I hear a similar story that kind of makes me wonder why college students enjoy the same vicious, liver-straining cycle, but never the less, the stories on Monday, will be priceless.
