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I know we have been holding our breath since Christmas and
the wait is over. The midterms have been taken and there is
nothing to do now but relax. I don’t know about the other
students around the world, but the promise of spring break
has been the only thing getting me through the last couple
of weeks.
Spring break can
mean partying in Cancun or volunteering in New Orleans.
However, it can also mean late-season skiing or even bird
watching. No matter how students decide to spend their
break, this next week will most definitely be a break from
our regular routines. |
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Because it is a vacation from our normal lives, we may put
ourselves at risk by letting our guard down and not taking
precautions we normally would.
Spring break
is infamous for wild parties, risky behavior, consumption of alcohol
and use of illegal substances. For many teens, it is a chance to
get a taste of freedom from authority for a week.
The highest
risks include promiscuity leading to unprotected sex, inebriation
leading to assault and illegal activities leading to arrest. Crimes
such as vandalism, theft, assault and rape
are among the serious risks
increased during spring break.
While, not all teens take part in violent crimes and not all teens
are victims, you could still be involved in unlawful activities over
spring break — all of
which can ruin your good time.
A
joyous occasion can instantly turn into dreary situation. We all
remember when teenager Natalee Holloway went missing during a
vacation gone awry in Aruba.
I know most people are not going to Aruba for spring break, but
danger can be closer than you think. I want to tell you just a few
things that you can do to have a blast during spring break and still
come home safely.
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Carry with you emergency contact information and a list of
important numbers.
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Know where you are. Spend some time looking at a map and getting
yourself oriented if you are in a new place. Make sure you know
how to get back to where you are staying. Ask hotel staff about
where you should and should not wander.
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While it is great to meet new friends over the break, avoid
situations in which you are alone with somebody you don’t know
very well.
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Stay together in groups with people you trust, keep an eye out
for each other. If someone is sick or in trouble, take care of
them.
- If
you decide to drink alcohol over the break, drink moderately,
set a limit for yourself and stick to it. Also, alternate
alcoholic drinks and water, make sure you eat plenty beforehand,
and always keep an eye on your drink.
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Make sure someone back home knows your plans and how to get a
hold of you.
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Let others you are traveling with know your plans for the day
and evening.
- If
you are going to engage in sexual activity, don’t take unneeded
risks. Use condoms, and/or other means of effective protection.
- Be
realistic and know that what happens on spring break does not
stay there; it will follow you back. Make the same smart
decisions you would make during the rest of the semester.
Okay, I
am done being bossy now. While keeping those safety tips in mind, I
recommend you seize the day, see the world and live the dream - as
long as "the dream" gets you back in time for class next Monday. No
matter what you decide to do for spring break, I advocate spending
your spring break having as much fun as possible, no matter where
you are and what you are doing. Taking these precautions is just a
way to make sure nothing gets in the way of us enjoying our much
deserved break from classes.
Jessica “Jha” Yvette |