For all too many of us, spring break in college is synonymous with a week of substance-fueled debauchery in sunny, tropical places. It's a week to remember that many of us can't. The draw to Destin, Cabo, and Cancun is a strong one. Think, though, if that's really what you want.

I've never been one to indulge in spring break trips to the beaches with my friends. For me, it's the only real break I get all year. I work full-time and take classes through the summer, so the thought of having months off to look forward to is nothing more than a high school memory. I've always been the odd-man-out in the "spring break" GroupMe, but looking back, I have no regrets.

My idea of the perfect spring break isn't the typical one for people our age. Rather than surrounding myself with people, I prefer to be as far away from them as possible. I'm a big believer in the power of relaxation, and personally, I prefer to spend my break as far-removed from the stresses of daily life as possible. I treat spring break as a rare chance to get away from everything — so why spend it in the middle of everything?

Whatever you're doing for spring break, take a few minutes to think about why you're doing it. Are you simply following the herd, or are you chasing a goal that you've set for yourself? The goal doesn't have to be anything concrete — but if you're simply following the flock, what are you gaining? For me, spring break is a time to cool down. It's time to get away from the stress of work and school. I try to put as much physical and mental ground between those stresses and myself as possible. It's only a week, make the most of it!

Challenge yourself to find a goal. If you're heading south to the sunny shores, make the most of every day. You only have a week, make it count! If you're staying on campus or near home, take a break from your classes. You need it, and your professors do too! The year isn't over, so don't take to too easy, but midterms are over. You're in the home stretch. Take a week off, reset your mind, and finish strong!