During spring break, teens are naturally drawn to the big, fun, exciting parties. Unfortunately, this ties in with becoming more vulnerable to peer pressure. Potentially turning spring break deadly. Like it did for a 20-year-old college student from Michigan in Panama City, Florida in 2013, who died in an alcohol-related incident. For South students, is spring break truly this dangerous? Does a drinking culture exist on spring break, and how serious a threat does it pose?
Spring break is a rite of passage, an opportunity for friends to unite. A core memory for everyone, regardless of the possible concerns. University of Michigan student and South alumni Aidan Clarke wholeheartedly agrees.
“Spring break was amazing,” Clarke said. “I am so thankful that my friends and I had the opportunity to go on one last trip together before college. It was definitely chaotic and hard at times, but one hundred percent worth the hassle.”
As for the concerns, the largest being peer pressure, to what extent does that apply to senior spring break? Clarke’s opinion ties in with the uniting of people throughout the trip.
“There’s barely any peer pressure. I have so many friends who went on spring break and didn’t drink. It’s a lot more common than people think,” Clarke said. “No one would force anything on their friends.”
Parent senior spring break attendee Mona Haurani agrees with Clarke. From her perspective, spring break is a great opportunity for every kid and is safe from the potential danger that being surrounded by alcohol overseas poses.
“Our parents didn’t go on break with us as kids. I like the parents going for safety reasons, but believe it or not, I think the kids actually like it too,” Haurani said. “This is the last hurrah before college, everyone’s safe, focus on enjoying the time. Cherish it.”
As for the drinking culture, Haurani believes it doesn’t exist. Acknowledging plenty of other prominent spring break qualities.
“It’s about bringing the class together, building lifelong memories. It’s not about the drinking culture, go have fun. Go be a kid,” Haurani said.
From the perspective of an anonymous student attending the trip this year, however, the concerns are real. Some concerns are greater than drinking culture and peer pressure, though.
“Drinking, jailtime, cheating even, are all concerns, but me personally? I’m more worried about the sharks,” they said. “Even when it comes to peer pressure, I don’t think it happens, nor do I believe in it. Peer pressure is just someone projecting their own insecurities.”
Excited for their upcoming trip, they truly believe that it is safe, despite affirming that drinking and gambling will take place.
“No matter who I’m with, I will make good decisions,” they said. “This trip is going to be one of the best of my life; everyone should absolutely go.”
