The Online Reflector

Adrian Kendrick| Managing Editor

Many college students consider Spring Break just that: a break.  It is a time to get away from all the stress of school and just unwind.  Students look forward to spending time with family and friends, whether in the comfort of their home or on an overseas adventure.
However, was Spring Break always perceived as a getaway, or was it once overlooked and seen just as another week? Some UIndy alumni and a current student weigh in on what Spring Break was and is like from their perspective.

Carolyn Bunting

Although rumor suggests that  Spring Break began in the 1960s,  it was not a priority according to UIndy class of 1960 aluma Carolyn Bunting.
According to Bunting it was not a getaway, party time at all. She can’t even recall her friends discussing Spring Break.
“I didn’t have the money; there were never thoughts of traveling. I worked over break to stay in school,” Bunting said.
Bunting explained that Spring Break was a time when students didn’t feel pushed to get their assignments done, but they did complete homework over the break nonetheless.
“When I think of my experience growing up, Spring Break was just a break from class. It didn’t have any emotional connotation to it,” Bunting said. “We didn’t have any discretionary income; it all went towards necessities and college funds.”

Vicki Swank

Spring Break was started becoming popular in the 1970s according to UIndy class of 1978 aluma Vicki Swank.  At UIndy in the mid-70s, break wasn’t until the end of second semester, so Florida weather was perfect for Spring Break plans.
“Everyone went to Florida back then that traveled, and they would drive because flying was expensive,” Swank said. “So my girlfriends and I would load up in two cars, and we communicated through a CB (Citizens’  Brand) radio because we didn’t have cell phones then.”
According to Swank, they would all stay in a hotel with six to a bed and some on the bedroom floor, because at that time, hotel attendants didn’t care how many people occupied a room.
“It was a different time back then. Gas was only 80 cents a gallon.  It was so much cheaper,” Swank explained. “We hung out at the beach and always dressed up at night to go out to eat and dance. “

Brian Martin

Spring Break was a big deal in the 80s according to alumus Brian Martin. Martin graduated with the UIndy class of 1988.
He explained that Daytona Beach was the place for UIndy students to travel during break, and it was fun to get away. Martin traveled with his friends who he was unable to spend time with on campus because of their busy schedules.
“We didn’t get to see each other a lot during the school year. So in a sense, we all reunited,” Martin said. “[Reuniting] made Spring Break special to me. Spending six or seven days in the sun and getting out in the cool [air] was great.”

Christie Beckmann

Christie Beckmann, UIndy aluma and director of conference and scheduling, said Spring Break was just as popular in the 90s as it is today.
Most of her friends went on road trips and traveled someplace warm with family or friends. However, Beckmann had other important responsibilities to attend to.
“I was married with a child, so my break consisted of spending quality time with my family,” Beckmann said.
She made the choice to stay at home and relax, not to spend money on traveling.
“I didn’t have any crazy Spring Break trips,” Beckmann said. “I was proud to be a mom and a wife and to spend time with them.”

Sarah Odle

According to current UIndy freshman Sarah Odle, Spring Break is more popular now than ever among students.
“Everyone wants to go somewhere even if it’s not Florida. Students just want to leave,” Olde said. “We’ve been locked here [at school] all semester! It’s an excuse to spend money and to go somewhere.”
Olde and girlfriends are going on their first Spring Break road trip to Florida this year. They will drive 15 hours straight through, taking five-hour driving shifts each.
“We’re going to be on the ocean all day long,” Odle said. “I’m going to be burnt like a lobster, but who cares? It’ll be worth it!”

The Verdict

Spring Break has changed over the years. Gas cost about 80 cents a gallon whereas now it is close to $2. Now we communicate on cell phones instead of CB radios. Whether you’re on the beaches of Florida or still catching up on homework, one thing is for sure: Spring Break is still viewed as a cherished break.