by Jamie Tholen

When senior Elaine Schmidt came back from Christmas break, all she could think about was the upcoming Spring break. The beach in Alabama with her friends seemed like the best thing in the world right now. But with all of the homework constantly being piled on as spring break 2013 comes closer, she thinks over her homework load, her study habits, and her upcoming tests.

Many students develop new and different eating habits because they want the typical, toned beach body; and they start to pack earlier because of their excitement for the upcoming break. All the continuing distractions of Spring break are constantly trying to pull you away from school and take you closer to the beach, the mountains, or even your bed.

“It is something to look forward to which girls would rather think about than homework,” Schmidt said.

Although many students would rather be shopping, Schmidt would like to take more tests the week before. According to Schmidt taking tests before the break would leave nothing to worry about during vacation. Even though many students may disagree with this, Schmidt feels prepared for test-taking before the break.

“I think the homework load should be lessened as it comes closer to Spring break because when its like 3 days before break and the teachers put the most homework in those last 3 nights, it just stresses everyone out,” sophomore Anna Meagher said.

According to teachers, many students are not putting Spring break over school completely. The average student spends 4 hours a week shopping, and 13 on school work and school related things. Still not many teachers are not happy with the outcome of the student’s studying decisions.

English teacher Katie Dolan, knows that Spring break is more “exciting and interesting,” but she still believes that students need to wait until the weekend of spring break, not during the school days.

“I wish all parents and students knew that Spring break didn’t start until the weekend, not the Friday before,” Dolan said. “So that the students attend school, instead of putting Spring break needs ahead of school work. It’s a pet peeve of mine.”

This year’s hotspot is located in Alabama- Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores is a coastal city along Alabama’s coast line. Many students at STA and all over the country are taking the drive or flight down to the shore to sunbathe, swim, and just have a good time.

Now that Spring break has finally arrived, Elaine has continually gotten ready for the break. Elaine cannot wait to get to the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Nothing seems better than laying out and soaking up the sun. Whether Elaine decides to swim, or to study, it’s all up to Elaine.