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The Daily Illini: Spring Break Guide 2016

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Monday, February 15, 2016

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SUPPLEMENTS STAFF SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR ABRAR AL-HEETI ASSISTANT SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR VICTORIA SNELL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEGAN JONES MANAGING EDITOR FOR REPORTING DECLAN HARTY MANAGING EDITOR FOR ONLINE MIRANDA HOLLOWAY CREATIVE DIRECTOR KELSIE TRAVERS ASSISTANT DESIGN EDITOR NATALIE GACEK COPY CHIEFS MAGGIE PLUSKOTA, SUSAN SZUCH COPY EDITORS SAMANTHA SKIPPER, CHARLOTTE CARROLL, MICHAL DWOJAK, LIZZIE JEDRASEK, FARAZ MIRZA PUBLISHER LILYAN LEVANT Email supplements@dailyillini.com

1. “Cake by the Ocean,” DNCE 2. “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah),” Andy Grammer 3. “Ignition (Remix),” R. Kelly 4. “T-Shirt,” Thomas Rhett 5. “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” Backstreet Boys 6. “Soak Up the Sun,” Sheryl Crow 7. “Stand By You,” Rachel Platten 8. “Somewhere on a Beach,” Dierks Bentley 9. “Love Yourself,” Justin Bieber 10. “Love on Top,” Beyonce 11. “Speakers,” Sam Hunt 12. “Dancing Queen,” ABBA 13. “Sunday Candy,” Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment 14. “Accidentally in Love,” Counting Crows 15. “Pirate Flag,” Kenny Chesney Compiled by Isabella Jackson ijackso2@dailyillini.com

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Monday, February 15, 2016

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Staying safe over spring break Students should do their research, stay smart on vacation BY BROOKS BERISH STAFF WRITER

This year, the University is implementing new systems with the purpose of educating students on how to stay safe over spring break. Domonic Cobb, assistant provost for recruitment and retention, supervises many projects and committees from the Student Legal Services to the Tenant Union. However, his most recent notable effort is launching a campaign emphasizing spring break safety through a safety committee he is involved in. With this endeavor, Cobb and his associates hope to lessen the number of irresponsible incidents over break. “I supervise student legal services, and we have a lot of people coming in after spring break or after Unofficial concerned about the mistakes they have made and their potential impact,” Cobb said. “Some of the temporary lapses in judgment result in arrest and, potentially, convictions.” These momentary lapses in judgment can have an impact on the rest of one’s life and can even have an effect on later employment. Now starting with students staying on campus over spring break, there are some important things to consider when it comes to keeping safe. “We ask them to use the same kind of common sense (and) awareness techniques while you’re here. Just employ more of them because it’s less populated, so there are less students to look out for you so you have to be vigilant,” Cobb said. For students going abroad, there are some different safety concerns that should be addressed. “( F i rst), desig nati ng a n emergency contact person; someone you can leave your itinerary with, your contact information, your ID numbers, information that should you lose that or get disconnected from it. You’ll know that you can contact someone who can provide you some assistance,” Cobb said. Many of these safety guidelines

Spring Break 2016

often pose their own unique safety concerns that should be aptly dealt with. For example, sunny locations are among the most popular spring break destinations, and students should take into account the effects of overexposure to the sun. “Wear sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, at all times,” Rice said. “The sun is most potent between the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but reapply sunscreen throughout the day for maximum protection. Take breaks out of the sun to avoid overexposure and stay hydrated with water.” None of these safety precautions should be overwhelming, nor should they stifl e the overall enjoyment of one’s break. Without the implementation of some of these simple tips, the entire spring break could be negatively affected. Even something as simple as a nasty sunburn can make a family vacation even more excruciating, so block up. “Stay sober, keep your wits about you, and make sure that you’re making responsible decisions,” Cobb said.

berish2@dailyillini.com ILLUSTRATION BY TIA MANGAHAS THE DAILY ILLINI

may seem like they mirror the kind of things the faculty enforces here on campus, but that is because they are equally — if not more — important outside of campus where there may not be a campus police force or a student patrol. Staying in groups, being aware of one’s surroundings and looking out for one another, including oneself, is crucial to staying safe. Additionally, being prepared to travel is just as important. “Before your travels, you’ve really got to be clear what visas or passports you need, particularly if you’re an international student,” Cobb said. “Every break it seems we have students who do not take care of their pre-travel responsibilities in a timely fashion.” If a student happens to be taking a commercial fl ight to their destination, they will

have to go through security at some point, and unless you are traveling by private jet, there are a few strict rules that students should be aware of in order to ensure a smooth transportation experience. According to the TSA website, liquid items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces should be packed as opposed to bringing them in a carry-on . However, medications are an exception to this rule. Regardless of whether they exceed that limit, just separate them from the carry-on during screening so TSA agents don’t have to open the carry-on. A fter arrivi ng at one’s destination, it can be easy to just become disconnected and indifferent to one’s decisions, which can result in mistakes. One of the most common of these negligent mistakes is the

excessive consumption of alcohol. “You put yourself in harm’s way when you consume alcohol illegally. If you are drinking alcohol, you should eat, you should stay hydrated,” Cobb said. “You can download an app that can help you track your alcohol consumption.” Before students actually leave campus, there are a few safety precautions that will allow them to sleep better at night, knowing their things are safe. “Reduce the likelihood of break-ins by locking all doors and windows and locking up valuables, if possible,” said Kimberly Rice, sexual health educator at McKinley Health Center. “If you are driving to your destination … if you feel tired, switch drivers often and stay alert to reach your destination safely.” Different vacation locations

Spring Break Safety Checklist 1. Wear sunscreen 2. Stay hydrated 3. Remember that shade is your friend 4. Know the flag system at the beach 5. Keep track of your friends at all times 6. Listen to the lifeguard 7. Swim with a buddy 8. Don’t bring expensive items 9. Know the laws 10. Plan ahead


Monday, February 15, 2016

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‘Cancuna’ Matata Why spring break is the best time to let go of all your worries JASON SCHWARTZ Staff writer

S

econd semester is tough — there’s no way around it. The weather stinks, you’re looking forward to a summer that isn’t coming fast enough and the days drag on and on. There’s only one salvation in the monotonous routine of the semester that students get to look forward to (besides Unofficial), and that’s spring break. Spring break is the time students get to let loose and enjoy some nice weather. So what’s the best place to accomplish both of these things? Mexico, of course. Take it from someone who went to Cancun for spring break during his sophomore year: there is no better way to unwind from the daily stresses of school than relaxing on a beach in 80-degree weather. Not only do you escape the horrendous Champaign weather, but you get to hang out with your best friends for a week straight. It’s the perfect place to let go of your stress and enjoy a week that is meant for nothing but fun. Even when you go out at school to Red Lion or KAM’S, you still have that research paper hanging over your head, or that test coming up in a couple days. Not over spring break; not in Mexico. In Mexico, your worries wash away with the waves as

they crash into your lawn chair. This is especially true for seniors. That’s because seniors have one added pressure to the normal hectic life of a student: the pressure of job hunting. Nothing is more stressful than having your family asking you constantly what your plans are after graduation. Your parents don’t get that liberty when you’re in Mexico (thank God for no cell service). Additionally, for seniors, it’s quite possibly the last time you and your closest friends will spend a full week together just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. There’s something to be said for last harrahs, and seniors know all about that. So what better way to go out than playing some beach volleyball and enjoying some all-inclusive margaritas? “Hakuna Matata” is a wonderful phrase, one that applies directly to spring break. Spring break doesn’t mean no worries for the rest of your days, but for one week, it’s hard to beat the beach paradise that awaits in Mexico with some of your closest friends. That isn’t to say the only way to enjoy spring break is to go on an extensive trip to Mexico. The point is to make the most of your spring break and enjoy the week off to decompress from the daily burdens of school. As cheesy as it sounds, fi nd your beach, and relax knowing that you have a week with no homework, no lectures and no stress.

jcschwa2@dailyillini.com

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No need to leave the state for a good time this spring break BY ISABELLA JACKSON STAFF WRITER

If you’re feeling bummed about not going on vacation this spring break, and seeing pictures of your friends on sunny beaches is getting you down, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, gather a group of good friends and hit the road to these fun destinations around Illinois.

Antiquing in Galena: Check out stores such as Peace of the Past, All That’s Vintage and Rustic River Finds Inc. while looking at some of the most beautiful old mansions in the state. Driving from Champaign: 4 hours, 261 miles

Learn about Lincoln in Springfield: Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, as well as the Lincoln Home Historic Site and Lincoln Tomb. Driving from Champaign: 1.5 hours, 86 miles

SOURCE: Google Maps

Hiking at Starved Rock State Park: With over 13 miles of well-marked trails, this is the perfect destination for those looking to spend time outdoors over their break. The park also offers food, canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding. Driving from Champaign: 2 hours, 115 miles

Hang out with Superman in Metropolis: Home of one of the most famous superheroes, the town hosts a Superman Celebration every June. Visitors the rest of the year can still take a picture with the 15-foot-tall Superman statue, then visit the Super Museum, which is filled with memorabilia of the character. Driving from Champaign: 3.5 hours, 235 miles

CHRISTINE HA THE DAILY ILLINI


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Monday, February 15, 2016

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Spring break abroad offers new experience BY AMINAH KOSHUL STAFF WRITER

Spring break is a different experience for students studying abroad. Because the typical American concept of spring break doesn’t apply on an international level, many countries have their own sets of traditions for this time of year. Brandon Lanners, senior assistant director of study abroad and global exchange, explained the enriching experience of spring break in a foreign country. “Study abroad provides you a chance to get out of your normal pattern of living,” he said. “It disrupts your routine and lets you reflect on where you are and where you’re going.” He described the psychological experience of falling into a new routine and establishing relationships with locals that enable students to create an introspective atmosphere in which they can learn about themselves. While Lanners recognized that studying abroad presents exciting opportunities for travel and tourism, he placed emphasis on self-discipline and curbing that vacation mentality. He encouraged students to find balance within their semester and suggested that they stay put during weekends but travel throughout spring break. “I always tell my students, ‘How would you see C-U differently if you were never here on a weekend? It would be a very different experience,’” he said. “‘It’s hard to get to know a place when you’re only there four to five days at a time.’” For students, an integral part of studying abroad is immersion in the town or city to which they are assigned. It facilitates an

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understanding of the language and culture that is not possible to experience while being superficially involved with a variety of different places. Lindsay Anderson, graduate student in translation and interpreting, was a junior at the time of her study abroad program in Japan. She noticed how cultural differences were highlighted during spring break. “Japan’s spring break is not the equivalent of an American spring break,” she explained. “Instead, Japan has a Golden Week of national holidays in which families travel within the country, in Asia or around the world. It’s a time to relax from being part of such a regimented society.” Anderson took advantage of Golden Week by making the trip to Seoul, South Korea. She visited castles and cultural sites. Local transportation was inexpensive and even with little knowledge of Korean, she was able to communicate freely. “Geographically, Japan and Korea are close enough that the languages (interact) often,” she said. Anderson’s most memorable experience during this trip was when she was invited to attend a traditional Korean wedding. She described how welcoming people were and was thrilled that they’d be willing to share what is considered a private event with foreigners. Osamu Miyawaki, junior in Engineering, had an equally unforgettable time during his study abroad experience in Europe. “In the Netherlands, we were given one week off before finals,” he said. “Most people use that time

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PHOTO COURTESY OF OSAMU MIYAWAKI

Osamu Miyawaki, (right,) studied in the Netherlands last spring and befriended other international students from Japan, Singapore, India, Portugal and the U.S. “It’s very common in Dutch society to hang out at someone’s house and cook something together,” Miyawaki said. He recommends students studying abroad familiarize themselves with their communities instead of hopping from city to city each weekend. “It’s not just about seeing things, but being able to interact with people,” he said. to travel.” Miyawaki traveled to England during his time off and described how refreshing it was to have a conversation with native English speakers about halfway into his yearlong stay in the Netherlands, since he had been speaking Dutch for a long time. He mentioned how different spring break in Europe was compared to America. “If you go to the train station you’ll see a lot of young people,”

he said. “Everyone carries their belongings in their backpacks and uses public transportation because it’s convenient and maneuverable. Staying in hostels while traveling is also a common. You’d never see that here.” Miyawaki offered advice similar to Lanners’ for students studying abroad. “Rather than visiting major cities for days at a time and only getting the tip-of-the-iceberg perspective,

stay within your community and use the weekends to visit the farmers market and speak the language with locals,” he said. “It’s not just about seeing things, but being able to interact with people. “For me, the most meaningful kind of interaction comes when you start to feel comfortable speaking their language and being a part of their society.”

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Monday, February 15, 2016

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Plan some time for yourself during break ISABELLA JACKSON Staff writer

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ot traveling this spring break? Have a great staycation by treating yourself to drinks, movies and some good reads.

Even if you aren’t relaxing at the beach, make a strawberry daiquiri and relax on your couch. Mix together in a blender: 6 cups ice

1/2 cup white sugar 4 oz. frozen strawberries 1/8 cup lime juice 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup prite 3/4 cup rum (Recipe from allrecipes.com)

Head to the movie theater nearest you and catch one of the films hitting theaters on March 25. “Get a Job,” a comedy starring Anna Kendrick and Miles Teller about college graduates struggling to find their place in the working world, puts a comedic spin on an issue many college students worry about.

“Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Ben Affleck, and is the next installment in the DC Entertainment films. The trailer promises an action- packed movie featuring two of the world’s best-known superheroes. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” the sequel to the 2002 romantic comedy, includes more of the Portokalos family’s hilarious antics.

Take a break from boring class textbooks and read some of the New York Times Bestsellers from the last year.

In “Modern Romance” by Aziz Ansari, the culture of romance in the current generation is analyzed using surveys, behavioral data and Ansari’s sense of humor. “The Girl on the Train,” a mystery novel by Paula Hawkins, is set for a movie adaptation later this year, but you’ll want to read it before then. Hailed by many critics as one of the best thrillers of 2015, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. For romance fans, “Me Before You” by Jojo Meyers is also being adapted into a movie in 2016. It tells the story of a daredevil paralyzed in an accident and the relationship that forms with the

girl hired to take care of him.

Have a spa day to pamper yourself. Make a homemade face mask by combining an egg white, a dash of lemon juice and a little honey. Beat the ingredients together and smooth over clean, dry skin. Let dry for 30 minutes, then rinse off. (Courtesy of Reader’s Digest) Enjoy your week with family and friends. Give your mom and dad an extra hug, and pet your dog or cat. They miss you when you’re gone at school.

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Students prepare for a balmy spring break JENNY HORNE Staff writer

T

he white-hot sun burns brilliant rays in the sky; the heat of the grainy sand sifts between your toes as you walk carefully to the perfect clearing on the beach, where your view of the tumbling, crisp waves is just right. What could make spring break any better than this? One thing: the presence of your best friends. Jennifer Flannery, junior in Education, said there is no greater thing in life than tanning in warm weather, sipping on tropical drinks and swimming in the cool ocean while enjoying the company of your friends. And that is exactly what many students plan on doing this upcoming spring break. Catherine Ernst, junior in Engineering, said the main reason she enjoys spring-breaking with her friends is because they all have similar interests. She added that she’s going with her best friends to Marco Island, Florida, this upcoming break. “My three friends and I are staying at my house in Marco Island,” Ernst said. “We’re just excited to be in warm weather, free of all responsibilities.”

Laken Delahanty, junior in LAS, is one of three friends joining Ernst on spring break, and is hoping for a laid-back, social vacation with her friends. “We’re going to try to meet new people and play beach volleyball all day,” Delahanty said. “Typically, we all go to the beach during the day and at night, (and) we go out to dinner together.” Flannery reminisced on her favorite spring break memory with her friends: a high school vacation with her best friends and her boyfriend on the beach. She remembers her boyfriend asking her to go on a walk, and she immediately thought something was wrong. Little did she know, she was in for a surprise. “It turns out as we were walking, we stumbled upon a bottle. He picked it up, said something was inside and handed me the bottle. I pulled out a note that read, ‘Out of all the fish in the sea, will you go to prom with me?’” Flannery said. “Completely surprised, I said yes. In tears, as always.” Ernst recalled some of her favorite spring break memories involved hanging around the beach at night. “I’ve never really gone night swimming in the ocean until I went on spring break in high school with all of my friends,” Ernst said. “So all around, that was a pretty cool experience.” Ernst said most of her favorite

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHERINE ERNST

Catherine Ernst (left) vacationed with her friends in Hawaii her senior year of high school. This year, she and her friends are going to Marco Island in Florida. She said the main reason she enjoys spring breaking with her friends is because they all have similar interests. spring break activities involved water-related activities with her friends. Whether that means lounging on a boat or fishing, she said she loves the calmness of the ocean. “I love to fish, and I also love

to drive boats, so doing that with my friends is awesome,” Ernst said. Despite her love for all things water, Delahanty does not have a particular preference for what she and her friends do this

spring break; she is just looking forward to warm weather. “I’m just excited to be in Florida and get out of Illinois,” Ernst said.

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Monday, February 15, 2016

University Housing offers alternative trips Program searches for students interested in diverse volunteering BY NATALIE STEWART STAFF WRITER

As March quickly approaches, student thoughts shift from classes and midterms to relaxation and fun in the sun during spring break. Though many students plan their own spring break trips, many programs around campus offer a variety of alternative spring break activities that students can take advantage of. University Housing provides a variety of alternative break options at a discounted rate for students interested in doing service projects that involve building, community and environmental work. Abigail Petersen, social justice and leadership education intern for University housing and senior in ACES, said she first became involved with alternative spring break her sophomore year. “I saw an advertisement for it when I lived in Bousfield and I decided, ‘Why haven’t I done anything over spring break before?’ And I wanted to try it,” she said. “I used to do service in high school so I was a participant, and I went to New Orleans my sophomore year.” Petersen said service doesn’t start when students get to their volunteer sites, but rather it is a process. “We require our participants to reach out in their community, too,” she said. “Our participants volunteer for 10 community service hours in Champaign-Urbana first, and then they can actually go.” The prior community service requirement is built into the program to give students a more well-rounded and big-picture outlook on service. “We want to build leadership, but also have students make a change and provide some kind of service to their community. We want to provide an outlet for that,” Petersen said. This year, the program offered three different trip locations: one in Puerto Rico, another in New Orleans and a newly-added destination: Miami, Oklahoma. Though all of the trips are community-based, they have different types of projects in each location, Petersen said. “In Puerto Rico, they do a lot of community work … they work with children and

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

then they also do environmental work. In the past few years, they have been planting mangroves off the coast, which prevents corrosion, which is really important.” In New Orleans, students mainly participate in a building project. “There are homes that haven’t been inhabited for over 10 years,” Petersen said. “It’s just a big mess down there, so we help with that building project. But last year we also helped with the city park. So we did a little environmental work, but I think this year it’s just focused on building.”

This year, the Provost office is initiating a new trip centered on cultural diversity in Miami, Oklahoma. Petersen said they’ll be working with the Peoria tribe to bridge the gap between diversity in native cultures. “We’re going to be doing environmental work, but also some community work,” she said. “I know some of our projects involved lead education. Contamination is a huge issue down there with mining, and we’re also going to be working at a fish hatchery.” Petersen said students are encouraged

to take advantage of these trips for both the interpersonal and external benefits they offer. “(Participants) do the reflection portion and realize that this is really meaningful,” she said. “Students walk away having a greater sense of self. They understand that they are a part of something bigger. I think they walk away meeting so many new people and having (an) understanding (of) each other on a different level.”

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“We want to build leadership, but also have students make a change and provide some kind of service to their community. We want to provide an outlet for that.” ABIGAIL PETERSEN

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK PARTICIPANT


Monday, February 15, 2016

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