Growing up it was always exciting to have the break before the long haul to the end of the school year, as a teacher that is still the same. So many people coming back from fun in the sun with the nice weather. The past two years Spring Break has been quite different due to Co-Vid restrictions and the need for a break other than the academic rigor. From the Greek and Roman times where a celebration honoring the god of wine and partying to the road trips beginning with the establishment of female colleges to match the male-only universities. Some of the customs belong to those of American college students who would travel to the coast or to the site of a mineral spring to cure the rigors of academic life. The intent of a break to reenergize.  

Since the 1930’s Fort Lauderdale has become synonymous with Spring Break attracting Colgate University’s swim coach with the first Olympic-size pool and an opportunity to bring his team down for practices after the Easter holiday. By the 1960s that was now the defined college student invasion solidifying the myth with movies and promotions. In the 1970’s Daytona Beach began to throw their hat into the ring and with cheaper rates it was now the chief mecca for Spring Break. In the 1980s, MTV made its first trip to the shores of Daytona Beach and brought with it a youth culture event and the tradition continues today. Student led initiatives for alternative break programs focusing on social issues, service work and experiences began in the 1990’s and now spring break can be a time for defining what it means for you to be recharged for the rest of the academic year.  

Wherever your break has found you, I hope that you can come back restored and having welcomed the new season of growth and renewal.