From vacations and educational development to sports trips or simply relaxing, students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior embraced spring break with open arms.

Ben Kangas, a business administration major and member of the Yellowjacket men’s tennis team, traveled to Gulf Shores, Alabama, over the break to compete. The trip, which included both the women’s and men’s tennis teams, offered matches with competitors from across the country.

The trip also served as a bonding experience for the players, who had the opportunity to relax at the beach and visit nearby shops.

“We are already a very tightly-knit team,” said Kangas. “I think the trip brought us even closer together. Being able to spend time outside of practice or match settings helped us get to know each other better. That was my favorite part — spending more time with these guys than I normally would. The time spent together not only made us better friends, but also strengthened our bond as a team.”

Other students, like Jasen Bruzek, traveled even farther during their break. Bruzek visited Japan and Thailand with his family. The trip served as a graduation gift for his brother and gave the family the chance to experience different cultures.

Bruzek recalls some of his favorite moments from his travels.

“Some of my favorite moments in Tokyo were just exploring the area,” said Bruzek. “I was amazed by how clean, punctual, and vibrant the atmosphere was. I took so many street photos. Traveling in Thailand was also a big experience — there seemed to be no road rules, and everyone was weaving in and out of traffic. It was terrifying at times but also really fun.”

Legal studies majors Allie Gronland and Chayce Strauch spent their spring break presenting their research in Denver. The pair attended the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) annual conference, accompanied by two professors and another classmate.

“It went so well,” said Gronland. “I was proud of the work I put in and the opportunity to share it with other passionate members of the field. It was fun to hear their questions and feedback, which helped me think about where to go next with my research.”

Gronland presented on treatment courts and how they are shaped by their surrounding communities. This research project grew out of her experience as an intern with the Sixth Judicial District Treatment Court Coordinators.

Strauch presented on the narrative capacity of reality television, arguing that it bridges the gap between fictionalized media and news broadcasting. Both Gronland and Strauch found the trip to be highly beneficial.

“My favorite part of the trip was connecting with the criminal justice community,” Gronland said. “It was great to take in everyone’s research and have conversations about the field. I had so much fun watching Chayce give his presentation, too.”

This spring break was certainly a success for many students at UW-Superior. It allowed them time to pursue their passions and develop meaningful life experiences.

By Olivia Fleming, English Major and Student Writer for UWS.