Jared McCabe
Staff Reporter
Sacred Heart University is six weeks into the second semester with one more week left of lectures, classes, papers or exams before spring break from Feb. 29 to March 8. What are students doing this year for spring break?
Sophomore Katie Belmonte said, “I’m going to Orlando for spring break! I’m visiting the Disney parks, Universal, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. I’m also spending time with my family that lives down there.”
Freshman Bridget Sullivan is also going to Disney.
Sullivan said, “I am excited to have quality family time and have a fun vacation in the warm weather.”
Other students will be spending their spring break in Puerto Rico on a service trip. Freshman Jayla Bryant and a group of Sacred Heart students are hoping to help those who are dealing with different pressures.
Bryant said, “Puerto Rico was heavily affected by Hurricane Maria in addition to other disasters. A group of us from Sacred Heart are traveling to Puerto Rico hoping to help with hurricane relief there. We are striving to give hope to others experiencing this hard time in their lives. This trip will help myself and others experience a different culture and grow as individuals.”
On the other hand, some students have commitments on or off-campus for the week, practicing or playing with their sports teams.
Sophomore softball player Alyssa Gonzalez said, “For my spring break, I will be playing down in Florida with my team. A good portion of my break will be spent playing and enjoying the time I have with my teammates, but I will also have some time to spend with my family that’s visiting. Overall, I’m excited for this break since it’s my first time in Florida!”
The Sacred Heart softball team participates in a four-game tournament in Madeira Beach, Fla.
Junior Shayanne Fennell said, “For spring break we pretty much play or practice every day but have one or two full days off. This is the beginning of our season, so I am so excited to finally be playing games, so I don’t mind playing the sport I love through our break. I wouldn’t spend my break any other way than on the field with my team.”
Several students are just looking forward to returning to their home and catching up on much needed sleep or time with family and friends.
“For spring break, I am meeting with a congressman’s district director from my hometown district to discuss a possible internship over the summer. I also plan to hang out with friends from high school and spend time with my family. My dad and I are trying to sneak time in to ski in Vermont for a couple days,” said sophomore Frank Giuffrida.
Freshman Marissa Colloca said, “I’m planning on spending time with my family relaxing and hanging out with my friends.”
No matter what the plan is, spring break is a traditional college experience to get away from the usual routines.
Sullivan said, “I’m super excited for my spring break vacation and to enjoy the time away from school.”