After almost a year in a global pandemic, the promise of spring break once again dangles before the longing eyes of students and teachers. The much-needed hiatus marks the anniversary of what many students will doubtlessly consider the most tumultuous year of their lives. But even after so many months and mandates, will this beloved vacation look the same as it did before COVID-19 began its reign?
Just like any well-earned vacation, this year’s spring break will mean ten days of rest and relaxation for most students at AFHS. Many of them say that this momentary stutter in the endless slew of homework and extracurricular activities will be filled with sleep, travel, and cheerful excursions with friends. As the air turns breezy and ripe with the promise of summer, many students hope to spend their leisure hours outside. Popular travel destinations for this year include the beach, the mountains, and the downstairs fridge. But in many cases, students just look forward to their lack of plans, and the rare opportunity to take a break from Powerschool and Google Classroom.
Many AFHS students can still recall beloved memories and traditions associated with spring break. Noelle Pereira, a sophomore at AFHS, says that her favorite spring break memories include “Going on cruises,” and “Doing fun stuff.” This year she plans on helping with COVID relief missions as well. Another student, Mary Everhart, says “I was in year round school until this year, so I liked having the long break to go to the beach and it being pretty much empty.”
Of course, it might be impossible to discuss any sort of vacation in the age of COVID-19 without acknowledging its hindrance on any traces of enjoyment. The undeniable fact remains that the Coronavirus still affects the range of opportunities that spring break holds. This has not been overlooked by students, and many said that their traditions have to stay on the back burner for another year while vaccinations continue to sweep the country. Others anticipate the taste of travel in the coming weeks, now that they have donned their metaphorical armor of the immune system provided by their vaccine. In any case, COVID-19 still drifts through the air, making it clear that a sense of normalcy over spring break will just have to wait another year. But even if the Coronavirus continues to drag its claws through the dreams of a vacation, this year’s spring break still promises a well-earned interlude during a stressful semester.
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