The last few days before spring break were torture, with the slow dragging of time as the clock ticked closer to Thursday evening. 

Now that you have your freedom for eight amazing days, what will you do? Where will you go? 

The traditional idea of a college spring break is a combination of too much booze and reckless conduct. Yet somehow, out of this behavior comes lifelong memories. 

The dream destination for any carefree college student is any location near a beach. Some of the typical locations students are fleeing to are Destin, Panama, or Orlando, Fla. Anywhere in Florida is thought to be a good idea. 

One idea is to volunteer as part of TeamVOLS in the alternative spring break trip or even a mission trip. This will give you an opportunity to give back to the community and share priceless memories with some very compassionate people. Perhaps it is because of my inherent dark complexion, but the beach has never held much appeal to me. I love being outdoors, swimming in the ocean and building sandcastles. (That is right, I said it, I am not afraid to look like a 5 year old.)

However, if I were to choose between the beaches, with its gritty sand that coats everything, or a ski trip, I would definitely choose the ski trip. 

In one of my classes, after my professor told a humorous tale of one of his wild college spring breaks, he asked how many students were planning to go to the beach. About 90 percent of the students raised their hands. 

With temperatures as high as 70 degrees, it is natural for people to find themselves outside. Yet, the whole idea of a beach is a very cliché place to go for spring break.

Everyone should experience it; it is a quintessential college moment, even though it wins no creativity points. Going to the beach is a safe fall back. You know you will generally have fun, what with girls scantily clad and boys trying to show off for the scantily-clad girls. Too many bodies crowded together on a small beach underneath the sweltering sun do not appeal to me. 

A spring break trip to the beach is overdone. Trying a different approach to spring break can be more rewarding than initially thought. 

One idea is to volunteer as part of TeamVOLS in the alternative spring break trip or even a mission trip. This will give you an opportunity to give back to the community and share priceless memories with some very compassionate people. 

Camping is always a fun alternative to the beach. It combines the wonderful element of being outdoors and nature's spring beauty with the camaraderie established over roasted marshmallows. 

Even staying at home with your family is good for the mind. Rest and relaxation, plus quality time with the family, can sometimes be exactly what the doctor ordered to relieve the high-stress life of college students.

No matter what you do over spring break, though, you will not go wrong. We all deserve a little break from the hectic life of college students and spring break could not be better timed.