A week of connection and exploration: How �鶹�ƽ�� students spent spring break

by Bailey Langhans '26 �� March 27, 2026

During spring break 2026, �鶹�ƽ�� students embraced the pause from classes to pursue connection, service and exploration, on campus and around the world. University programs and student organizations supported the breadth of student interests by offering a wide range of spring break opportunities. The following five examples showcase the possibilities, from community building on campus to learning about foreign policy while abroad.

On Campus

For students remaining on campus, Wesley Campus Ministry hosted a staycation, providing free and reliable access to resources while the dining halls were closed.

“It’s been really cool to see people bonding across majors and class years, people who would never have met each other without Staycation. If there’s anything �鶹�ƽ�� students can bond over, it’s free food and company,” said Co-president Emma Kaufman-Horner ‘27.

Along with providing food, the ministry hosted various community activities to build connections and enjoy the local landscape.

Co-president Joslyn Colglazier ‘27 added, “The experience was great! I got to meet so many new people, volunteer at a dog shelter, play guitar around a campfire, hike in some beautiful weather, and so much more!”

Academic and Professional

While some students stayed close to campus, others used the break to explore their academic and professional interests abroad.

Students in the Global Policy cohort of �鶹�ƽ��’s Global Scholars Program (GSP) leveraged this time by traveling to Brussels and Paris. The program emphasizes experiential learning and prepares students pursuing leadership in global policy. This trip facilitated in-person networking with alumni and professionals in international organizations, including OECD, U.S. Mission to the EU and NATO.

“I made amazing connections with alumni and loved the events. The speakers were all very knowledgeable and it was all very planned out,” said Nina Appicello ‘26.

In addition to professional development, the trip also provided a cultural learning opportunity around the cities.

Students gather to enjoy dinner after exploring the city. (Photo courtesy of Nina Appicello ‘26) “It was a great mix of academic and professional engagements with cultural experiences,” said Lily Pickworth ‘27. “We got to go on site visits and hear thoughts on pressing world events from amazing panelists, and then go explore Brussels and Paris on our own! It was definitely an adventure that expanded my perspective and my understanding of the world.”

Service

For other students, spring break was an opportunity to give back through service. Through Branch Out Alternative Breaks, a program in Civic & Community Engagement, students brought �鶹�ƽ��’s commitment to service to various communities across the nation. This past break, Branch Out provided three different options for building connections and skills through issue-based action.

In a community partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Keith Utsey ‘27 and other students planted trees and created cement homes for oysters in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I enjoyed my experience,” said Keith, “I was able to help make a long-term positive impact on local farms and the Chesapeake Bay. As a bonus, it snowed one day.”

In other alternative breaks, students either helped farm and distribute sustainable food to community members in Lynchburg, VA or learned about the daily challenges of poverty and served meals in Asheville, NC. These students used their time away from coursework to learn about and address wider community concerns of poverty, sustainability, and health. Student volunteers help with regenerative agriculture by planting, weeding, harvesting crops. (Photo courtesy of Keith Utsey ‘27)

Arts

Spring break also provided time for students to pursue personal passions and artistic expression. On March 14th, �鶹�ƽ��’s premier co-ed Bollywood Fusion dance troupe, AFSANA, competed at the South Asian dance competition Tu Bhu Nachle, where teams performed in two categories: NDDL (Bollywood fusion) and Origins (South Asian classical dance).

Himani Ravva ‘28 competed in NDDL with a performance her team had been preparing for over a semester. This long-term commitment allowed the team to grow individually and together.

“It was a long but exciting journey,” said Himani. “Seeing everything come together on stage, from performing in costume to refining every detail to create the best performance possible, was truly rewarding. I’m incredibly proud of our team and all the hard work we put in.” NDDL team poses in costuming for their interpretation for The Maze Runner. (Photo courtesy of Himani Ravva ‘28)

Recreation

For students looking for a recreational break full of adventure, the Tribe Adventure Program (TAP), a program through Campus Recreation at �鶹�ƽ��, hosts excursions for exploration and education on outdoor activities and ethics. This spring break, students traveled to Florida to learn about local wildlife and swim with manatees.

“I had an amazing time on the trip. I learned so much, had fun and met so many amazing new people. I learned a lot of various things and had so many chances to bond with the group while still having plenty of time to myself to choose what I wanted to do. I would love to go on future TAP trips and will be letting people know to check it out more,” said Lilli Jeter ‘28.

Beyond building connections, students embraced new experiences.

“It was amazing and rejuvenating! I had a lot of fun with friends in Florida and had a lot of firsts on this trip!” said Athena Lee ‘27 A smiling Athena Lee prepares to swim with manatees while in Florida. (Photo courtesy of Athena Lee ‘27)

Whether building community on campus, engaging in service or exploring new places, �鶹�ƽ�� students used spring break to deepen connections, expand their perspectives and create lasting memories.