Ask Deanie

Archives Deanie Kepler's previously published columns

SMU Parent Liaison Deanie Kepler offers advice on helping your student.

The Spring Break Alternative

Question – Does everyone at SMU go to Mexico for Spring Break?  My student says she is the only one on the entire campus not going somewhere…is that true?

Answer – Do not fall for that ol’ line “Everyone is doing it…”  Not everyone is going to Mexico on a Spring Break trip.  Of course, some students choose that option, but students may take advantage of many other opportunities available during Spring Break.  Some students cannot wait to go home for a week of real rest and relaxation.  Quite a few students stay on campus (yes, the halls are open!) and catch up on their papers and  reading.  Other students may combine a short, quick trip with a few days at home and back to campus.  Others may join a group and head for Colorado or join some friends at a beach in either Florida or Texas.  Juniors and seniors may use the time to follow up on summer internship opportunities and potential jobs.  Taking the week to make contact with potential employers can turn the time spent on campus, at home or in a city like Washington – a great investment in a student’s future.   

Still others choose to broaden their horizons by participating in one of SMU’s organized trips sponsored through SPARC and the Office of Leadership and Community Involvement, Recreation Sports or the Chaplain’s Office.  These include:

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK (ASB) – a weeklong service adventure where students work in communities across the country doing service.  Each trip consists of at least 8 students, one student site leader and one faculty/staff advisor.  Alternative Spring Break is a great way to give back to the community during a time when school commitments will not interfere.  If you have questions, please contact Lucy Duke at lduke@smu.edu or visit smu.edu/sparc .

The trips for Spring 2006 are:

1. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS - The Cumberland Trail Association, Chattanooga, TN
2. SUSTAINABLE FARMING (AGRICULTURE) - Beneficial Farm, Santa Fe, NM
3. HOUSING - Habitat for Humanity Build, Clarksville, GA
4. HURRICANE RELIEF – Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Pearlington, MS
5. WOMEN & CHILDREN – Transitional Living Center, El Paso, TX

SPRING BREAK CANOEING IN BIG BEND - Recreation Sports is sponsoring an outdoor adventure trip to the Rio Grande River.  It includes 5 days of canoeing through the awe-inspiring Big Bend National Park.  The deadline to sign up is March 7, but it is really filling up so I encourage your student to visit www.smu.edu/recsports/adventure and go to their ‘06 calendar for more information.

SMU CIVIL RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE – March 10 – 17 
Visit Jackson MS; Selma. Birmingham and Montgomery AL; and Memphis, TN     Fives cities in seven days! 
Join SMU faculty, staff and students for an incredible, once in a lifetime experience available again this year touring noteworthy sites throughout the south and southeast. Academic credit is available in History P4398.  For more information or to sign up please contact Betty McHone in the Office of the Chaplain and University Ministries, 214-768-4502.  Further details and the complete itinerary are available at www.smu.edu/chaplain.

If your student does choose one of the large tour groups that cater to students during Spring Break, be sure to

• Check the State Department web site for any warnings
•  Talk seriously with your student about safety issues and what to do in case of emergency
• Have your student “stow away” a little extra money should an emergency arise, and above all
• Keep copies of all of your student’s important documents
• Have contact information where they will be and for the tour company they use.
• Remind your student that they are not invincible – it may come as a shock to them, but it might also keep them safe!  

Question for Deanie? Ask Deanie at gkepler@smu.edu or 214-768-4797.

Print version Legal disclosures Site Index© Southern Methodist University, Dallas TX 75205, 214-768-2000