After a long and cold Minnesota winter, there is no better feeling than that of warm tropical air. Last year, BSM students were robbed of this experience as Spring Break was canceled due to COVID. BSM’s spring break this year is March 27-April 4, and students are counting down the days until their much-needed getaway.

This Spring Break signifies more this year than years past. It is the end of hybrid school, a system that was completely new to both students and teachers and made for a hectic majority of the year. “I just can’t wait for [hybrid schooling] to be over and Spring Break brings some closure to it that I’m looking forward to,” sophomore Juliet Walesch said.

Despite a positive attitude towards the break, students are very aware that COVID-19 is still a reality. With locations beginning to ease up on restrictions, tourists are sure to flood into newly opened states. Florida is already beginning to run into issues as Miami beach has been overrun with tourists. The city even had to clear people off the streets, issuing an 8 pm curfew until April 12. Florida is a hotspot destination for BSM students and they will be affected by the chaos. “My family has a place in a busy part [of Florida] right by the beach. I’m not worried at all about the number of people. It will be cool to see people being normal and having fun again,” junior Tyler Zachman said.

Despite states opening up, plenty of students are staying home this Spring Break. Although COVID played the main role in deterring travelers, there is another factor this year. The state hockey tournament for all age groups is set to be this coming weekend, ending the travel hopes of teams with playoff success. “I usually go to Mexico with my family, but I couldn’t this year in case my hockey team made it to state,” junior Vince Ferris said.

Although staying home for Spring Break is not usually people’s first choice, there are a few redeeming qualities this year. Due to COVID, not everyone will be traveling and there is a lot to do in MN. The weather is supposed to be great for this time of year with temperatures in the 60s and even breaking 70 the week of April 1. “I wish I was going on vacation, but it’s not that bad. I’m still looking forward to being with my friends over break,” junior Sophie Sohm said.