In the Virgin Islands, the Marriot Frenchmen’s Cove welcomes visitors.
Mia Diehl|Marlin Chronicle
Spring break can often be a breather for many students, whether it be a break from studies or a chance to reconnect with family and friends. Some took time to catch up on their work, while others took the opportunity to travel and have fun with their friends.
Grace McMahon, an exchange student from Ireland, took the opportunity to explore around America with her boyfriend and family. McMahon traveled to Boston, Mass., New York City, Philadelphia, Penn. and Washington, D.C. Spending the time with her boyfriend, brother and her parents she said the highlight of her break was walking in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Exchange student Grace McMahon visited the Jefferson Memorial on her trip to Washington, D.C.
Grace McMahon|Courtesy
Grace McMahon in New York City on Spring Break.
Grace McMahon|Courtesy
Unfortunately, the joy of being reunited with family and friends over the break did also come with the sadness of eventually having to leave them again. “I was really sad to be leaving my family and boyfriend again, but happy to be back in the warm weather,” McMahon said.
Similarly, freshman Gavin Heritage had an eventful spring break. Heritage spent his time in Montreal with friends.
“I went on a trip because I wanted to experience something new,” Heritage said.
Heritage also remarked on how the company of friends improved his trip, saying that he went to experience something new and having friends there made the experience even more memorable.
Sophomore Milo Schuehle, who was in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands for spring break, also felt as though having company made his experience more fun.
Sophomore Milo Schuele on a boat off the coast of the Virgin Islands.
Mia Diehl|Marlin Chronicle
A sailboat floats on waters between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Mia Diehl|Marlin Chronicle
“Even usually mundane activities like getting ready to go somewhere or taking a taxi were transformed into laughter and shenanigans,” Schuehle said.
Schuehle said he felt as though he needed a break from Virginia Beach. He said taking the trip away gave him the well needed rest, as well as some much needed sun. He also said that he was ahead on his schoolwork and his job, which made the trip more enjoyable, as there was no stress or pressure.
Heritage also said that schoolwork was not on the forefront of his mind during his break, and his priority was having fun with friends.
“Frankly, our professors shouldn’t be assigning work over our much-needed breaks, as students are already exhausted from schoolwork, jobs and the stress of sports and other extracurriculars. What’s the point of giving us a spring break if our professors just turn it into a time to do distance learning?” Scheuhle said.
A catamaran sailing off the coast of the US Virgin Islands.
Mia Diehl|Marlin Chronicle
Heritage said he participated in lots of new activities and experiences, one of his favourites being “The Casino de Montreal.”
Schuehle got to soak up the sun and dive into lots of water activities. “I think the highlight of my spring break was snorkeling off a catamaran. I saw sea turtles, lots of fish and all sorts of coral,” Schuehle said.
Although spring break can be a time for amazing traveling experiences, Schuehle pointed out limitations. “I think the biggest challenge I faced during my spring break trip was budgeting. I’m only finally getting good at budgeting while in the States, so I wish I had been more put together for my trip,” Schuehle said.
Heritage also brought up struggles with money, specifically regarding currency exchange. “Converting American money for Canadian money was a hassle,” Heritage said.
Schuehle said he would have liked to go outside of America, but was met with resistance from passport issues. Nevertheless, he said leaving Virginia Beach was a cultural change for him and offered a shift in perspective.
Heritage said that he got to try poutine for the first time, as well as Guinness, which proved to be a hit. In similar fashion Schuehle got to try grilled red snapper, which he said was amazing.
In reminiscing on favorite memories from their breaks, for some it was the food, for others it was simply being with those they loved.
For McMahon, it was staying in a hotel under the Manhattan Bridge and feeling it shake every time a train drove by.
Schuehle remarked on his need for rest during his trip, saying that anytime he wasn’t in the water or snorkeling he was passed out sleeping, catching up on all of the sleep he had missed during the school semester.
“I have no regrets,” Schuehle said.
In the end, spring break offered students a chance to recharge their batteries, explore new places and make lasting memories.
By Meena Lennon
mjlennon@vwu.edu
