About 40 students gathered in the student center Comanche suites for the Safe Spring Break event on March 4 to learn some safe spring break tips and to grab a free bite to eat. The event was sponsored by the  Counseling Center, disability support services, housing and dining services,  police department, student development and orientation, Vinson Health Center and the Student Wellness Center.

“Not as many people have walked through that I thought would,” Preston Franks, senior in psychology and representative for the Vinson Health and Student Wellness centers, said.

Many in attendance at the Safe Spring Break event attended because it was mandatory or because they happen to walk by and smell the opportunity for free hot dogs, chips and T-shirts.

“My hall director  said it would be an easy way to complete some of my community service hours,” Laurence Chamberlain, freshman in sports leisure and sponsor rep. for the disability support services, said.

Many of the faculty sponsors at the event made it mandatory for the student sponsors to attend. “I was asked to help out by my boss,” Franks, said.

For students who were willing participants in the event the main draw for them was the opportunity to get a free lunch and spring break memorabilia.

“I came in because of free stuff I could get,” Lecia Rogers, sophomore in finance, said. “I haven’t learned anything so far at this event.”

While many of the students attended for the free food, sunglasses and T-shirts others in attendance took the time to learn from what the sponsors were saying about being safe and responsible for spring break.

“It’s a very good venture to put on  a function like this,” Theolette Simon, senior in business management, said.

Simon said she saw police officers at their informational table and decided to walk in due to the recent hoax shooting suspect on campus.

Just as the shooting hoax opened the eyes for students about the preparations they should take in case of a shooting, the safe spring break event served as a way to open students eyes to the real dangers lurking at spring break destinations, and some students took note of these warnings.

“It will educate  students at MSU and make sure they protect themselves and are safe for spring break,” David Joseph, junior in marketing, said. “This event will show students what to expect as they prepare for spring break.”