Spring break is a nationwide event that gives students and teachers a week, or two, off of school. However, many parents and students feel the break is never long enough.

There is more to spring break never feeling long enough than most may assume. Fourth-term anxieties and the timing of the break makes it feel more like a summer vacation tease rather than a time to unwind.

Many students find that one week isn’t enough as they spend the first few days trying to recover from school stress and the last few days trying to mentally prepare for going back to school. This leaves little time for actual relief.

Additionally, spring break feeling too short can also influence academic performance. When students return, they often feel “checked out” as the anticipation of summer plans and end-of-term stress impact their work ethic.

Despite the break feeling like it’s not long enough to fully relax and triggering a summer mindset, teens still appreciate the time off so that they can get things done or go on vacation. Some travel to different cities, states, or even out of the country.

“I went down to Zion and to St. George and there were so many people I knew there. We hiked Angel’s Landing and went mountain biking,” said senior Dax Quist.

For those who have time, many students also use the break as catch-up time and spend the majority doing schoolwork.

“I spent most of my spring break working on late or missing assignments, but I got to go outside a little bit,” said senior Logan Fry.

Spring break usually begins with big plans and high hopes, but by the time that students actually feel like they’re getting a break, it’s over and they are even more ready for the school year to be over.