By Karli Wilkerson / Staff Writer

What was meant to be a relaxing spring break turned into an extended stay for several Missouri Valley College students, who were stranded in Fort Lauderdale after travel plans fell through.

Students scheduled to return to campus at the end of break were delayed nearly a week due to flight cancellations and travel complications, creating a stressful and unpredictable situation.

“I was originally scheduled to fly back on the 15th of March and land early on the 16th. The thing that caused the delay was apparently TSA workers just leaving work because they weren’t happy with the salary, along with a windstorm in the Midwest,” junior Fernando De Ornelas said. 

The extended stay created both financial and academic concerns. Students paid for additional lodging and meals while also staying in contact with professors about missed classes and assignments.

“I definitely had to reach out to my professors and explain what was going on,” senior Elizabeth Riggs said. “Most were understanding, but it’s still stressful knowing you’re missing things.”

Despite the challenges, students leaned on each other for support. Groups coordinated shared housing, split costs, and worked together to find ways back to Missouri.

“We helped each other out,” sophomore Gagan said. “Tom and Liz made the days more enjoyable by helping us find a hotel.”

Some students turned to long drives when flights weren’t an option.

“My boyfriend and I ended up riding back with another friend who was stuck. The three of us drove 21 hours straight with her parents in a two-door car,” Riggs said. “It wasn’t the most comfortable situation, but at that point we just wanted to get back to campus however we could.”  

Even with the stress, some students tried to stay positive.

“I tried to make the most of the situation. It’s true that I was a little stressed, but I still made the most of it,” Gagan said. 

Now back on campus, students say the experience taught them the importance of flexibility and preparation when traveling.

“This experience will stick with me,” De Ornelas said. “My advice would be to book an earlier spring break and come back 1-2 days before school starts again.”