By Karli Wilkerson / Staff Writer

As spring break approaches at Missouri Valley College, campus halls are starting to empty even before the official start on Monday, March 9.

 While many students are heading home or traveling, some athletes and students are sticking around, proving that the college never fully sleeps during the break.

Katharina Konecke, a freshman student from Bremen, Germany, is traveling to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her friends for the break.

“For me, the most important part of spring break is getting out of town, away from campus, and just seeing a new place I haven’t seen before, with my friends,” Konecke said.

Some athletic teams, such as men’s and women’s golf, have scheduled practices and meets, meaning some students will trade beaches and road trips for the gym and courses.

Tomas Ayape, a French sophomore student, has been in the US for two years, majoring in economics and management plans. He says his plans for spring break are to stay on campus, practice, and hang out with friends. 

“Right now, I’m in season, so we have qualifying during spring break, which is why I have to stay,” Ayape said. “If I didn’t have to stay, I would probably travel with my brother to LA”.

Many students are taking advantage of early departures this weekend, leaving for trips, family visits, or just a head start on spring activities.

Nestus Burger, a student athlete from South Africa, is leaving for Colorado this Saturday to spend time with his friends over the break. He says if he weren’t going to Colorado, he would want to travel to Florida again, specifically Panama City Beach.

“It’s pretty important to recharge throughout the semester,” Burger said. “With football, a full schedule, and it being a small school, it’s nice to be able to get away from a small town to meet new people.”

Whether traveling or staying on campus, Missouri Valley College students are ready to enjoy their week off, some chasing adventures, others sticking close to the gym and campus activities.