Sunbathin’, booty-shakin’, or dreamin’ of the tropics?

February 27, 2004

by Ashley Sobel
Staff Reporter

Aruba, Jamaica, Oooh I wanna take ya…

Bermuda, Bahamas, come on pretty mama… ahh, yes. We can all thank the Beach Boys for putting tropical thoughts in our head with their ‘88 hit, “Kokomo.” Speaking of tropical thoughts, the most infamous week of the year where students across America take a week off of school is fast approaching.

For many college students, spring break is a week notoriously and traditionally filled with beer bonging, sunbathing, booty-shaking, and other such party-like behavior.

What are Albion College students doing for spring break 2004? Undoubtedly some will board planes and travel to destinations that epitomize paradise, but not the majority.

Brittany Hainline, Marshall sophomore, won’t be doing anything.

“I’m going home for spring break,” Hainline said. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m sad about it, too. I want to go somewhere warm.”

Jennifer Fleischmann, Charlotte sophomore thinks staying in Michigan for spring break suits her.

“I’m probably going to my brother’s place in St. Joeseph to party [and] hang out, you know?” Fleischmann said.

Fleischmann said she has had great times at her brother’s place. Last year for spring break, she and Betsy Olds, Jackson junior, traveled to St. Joeseph and “rocked it out St. Joe style.” When asked what “rocking it out” included, Fleischmann said, “That’s all I can really say.”

Becca Hallin, Howell sophomore, seems to be following the Albion College trend of non-tropical spring break destinations. However, her choice has romantic motives. Hallin is going to Albany, N.Y., where her boyfriend, a petty officer in the navy, is stationed.

“I’m going to surprise him,” she said.

There are some individuals, however, who take the advantage of the week off to visit warmer climates. Sarah Bury, Jackson first-year, will be traveling to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., with her brother to visit their grandparents.

Erika Henriksen, Farmington sophomore, will also be traveling to Florida, but for a whole different reason. Henriksen will be exploring the Everglades, the Dry Tortugas, and the Florida Keys with her Biology of Subtropical Florida class. Henriksen is also “thrilled” about going behind the scenes at Sea World in Orlando.

Starting at 5 p.m. March 5, students will be on break, whether studying biology in Florida or staying at home and merely dreaming of the tropics.

At least there are tanning booths, smoothie makers, and tiny paper umbrellas available to those who wish to be in the tropical state of mind, right?