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With Fran Northcutt, Honors Adviser, Hunter College of the City University of New York
HoH Video
of the Week
Advice for Spring Break?
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Spring Breakers Ahead
HEAD Start
From father to son, from mother to daughter, words of wisdom have been passed down through the ages. Some words of wisdom you may receive about this time of year are:

"Do not be a Girl Gone Wild."

Or the gender-neutral, "Do not get filmed while on Spring Break."

So if you're headed for sun, sand, and possibly sin, don't be stupid.

HEAD Lines
But what if you aren't even tempted to be a Girl (or Boy!) Gone Wild? What if you feel drawn to do something... meaningful? If they made a video of it, maybe they'd call it Girls (or Boys) Gone... Good?

Alternative Spring Break programs are popping up at colleges nationwide. From building a house in Guatemala to helping Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans, college students are coming up with all kinds of ways to spend their breaks helping others. (And don't worry; although there's lots of hard work involved, there's plenty of fun and bonding too... and usually some chances for great food and sightseeing.)

Intrigued? These folks at your campus can help you find out about alternative spring breaks, if not for this year then for next:
  • Student Life Office

  • Community Service Committee

  • Community Engagement Office

  • and of course, your academic advisor!
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From Other HEADS
I GOT INVOLVED IN SERVICE WORK, traveling to other countries. I've been to Mexico and down south to North Carolina for Habitat for Humanity. That's defined my college career, my transformation. It gave me a better appreciation for my position in the world and at the same time for others in the world who don't have as much as I do. It's been an enlightening experience. But I've still had plenty of time to party.

-- JONATHAN GIFTOS
BOSTON COLLEGE, SENIOR


IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW OFFERS to have you stay with her over a break, take her up on it. One of the most interesting experiences I had was staying with the parents of a roommate or friend, and discovering what her life was like before I met her. It is really mind-expanding, and allows you to get to know someone in your life even better. You also have the added bonus of a personal tour guide to show you around. Nothing is more fun than rediscovering where you have lived for your whole life by showing your college friends all of the tourist destinations.

-- AMY
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, FRESHMAN




Web Resources



HoH Tip
Just planning to be home with the family over break? You can still have a rewarding experience. Check with local hospitals, homeless shelters, or other outreach organizations to see if you can volunteer even just one day of your break to help out someone less fortunate than you.


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