For some students, home is where the break is

By MARIA SBIHLI
Collegian Staff Writer

For some students, spring break is a time to either lay on a beach in Florida or ski the slopes of Vail. However, for many others it means going home because of a lack of money.

"I was going to go to the Bahamas, but I couldn't come up with $600, so I am now going home," said Christine Heiner (freshman-English).

Several students find themselves in the same dilemma as Heiner and want to do something during break to cure the "at home boredom." The answer -- a road trip.

A day road trip can be a fun and inexpensive way to get out of the house. Students living in the East can spend part of their breaks in New York City, Philadelphia or Washington, D.C., which offer a great deal to do for those on a tight budget.

Lisa Vesnaver (junior-art education), a native of Queens, offered some advice for those students who want to take to the streets of New York City. She said there are all sorts of museums and buildings to see, such as the Trump Towers, F A O Schwarz, Planet Hollywood, the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.

"New York City is a very cultural place where you can learn a lot through the architecture and art. There is always a lot of fun here," she said.

Another way to spend the day, she said, is to "go shopping on Fifth Avenue!"

For those students who want a more patriotic type of road trip, a visit to the nation's capital may be the answer.

"Washington, D.C., is really interesting because it is our capital," said Erica Phillips, a frequent traveler to D.C.

Students can visit and travel for about $5 a day on the metro. Phillips (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) recommends seeing the various monuments, such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian Institution and the Potomac River.

"It is a great learning experience," she said.

Another idea for a road trip might be to the "City of Brotherly Love" -- Philadelphia.

"There is so much to see and do. Downtown is incredible," said Kim Lenetsky (sophomore-communication disorders), a resident of northeast Philadelphia who will be spending her break at home.

A visit to the Franklin Institute is a must, especially on the weekends to see the laser light shows, Lenetsky said. She further recommends going to a hockey game at the Spectrum, a visit to Penns Landing or shopping on South Street.

For those interested in the history of Philadelphia, students might want to check out Betsy Ross' House and the Liberty Bell.

"There is lots of rich and cultural things to do and see in Philly. It can be a fairly inexpensive day," Lenetsky said.

Other students use spring break to spend time with friends and family. Kristi Ross (junior-marketing) said she went away last year, but her parents wanted her to come home this year. Ross, who lives outside of Pittsburgh, said she plans to relax and visit with her family.

"The week goes by so quickly," she said.

Taking a road trip can break the monotonous time spent at home. For a little bit of money and a lot of imagination, students can have a fun and exciting day.

"Instead of sitting around every day and being bored, you can experience a new city," Lenetsky said.