Let the luau begin - The Rider Newspaper

Dept. to host Spring Break safety awareness event

Spring Break is coming soon for UTRGV students, a time to relax, have fun and leave the stress of school behind for a while.

Andrea Vela (left) and Samantha Pena, rehabilitation services and counseling seniors and practicum students for Student Accessibility Services, set up a Connect Four game during the Spring Break Lu’au March 5, 2024, on the Student Union lawn on the Brownsville campus.
THE RIDER FILE PHOTO — Andrea Vela (left) and Samantha Pena, rehabilitation services and counseling seniors and practicum students for Student Accessibility Services, set up a Connect Four game during the Spring Break Lu’au March 5, 2024, on the Student Union lawn on the Brownsville campus.
**THE RIDER FILE PHOTO**

UTRGV Student Rights and Responsibilities will host the “2025 Spring Break Lu’au” from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Music, Science and Learning Center courtyard on the Brownsville campus and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Quad on the Edinburg campus. Students may enjoy free music, drinks and games.

“The purpose of this event is to show students that they can have a lot of fun and still make sure that they are being safe and careful,” said Kristina Yzaguirre, judicial affairs officer for Student Rights and Responsibilities. “We want students to enjoy the break and use it as a time to rest and relax.”

Interdisciplinary sophomore Adelaida Matamoros throws a ping pong ball during a game of cup pong against criminal justice sophomore Robert Aguirre during the Spring Break Lu’au March 5, 2024, on the Student Union lawn on the Brownsville campus. Students Rights and Responsibilities hosted the Spring Break Luau to provide safety tips for spring breakers from on- and off-campus organizations. THE RIDER FILE PHOTO — Interdisciplinary sophomore Adelaida Matamoros throws a ping pong ball during a game of cup pong against criminal justice sophomore Robert Aguirre during the Spring Break Lu’au March 5, 2024, on the Student Union lawn on the Brownsville campus. Students Rights and Responsibilities hosted the Spring Break Luau to provide safety tips for spring breakers from on- and off-campus organizations.
**THE RIDER FILE PHOTO**

Community and campus partners, including University Police and Cameron County Health and Human Services, will attend this year’s event.

Students will be able to enjoy a giant inflatable chair, music and a photo backdrop.

The Center for Student Involvement is collaborating with 23 student organizations that will hold fundraisers during the event. This includes selling food and non-alcoholic beverages.

“We have over 200 organizations on campus, and we want to remind students of fun ways to spend their Spring Break while also supporting them through fundraising,” said Berta Maldonado, assistant director for the Center for Student Involvement.

The event will feature a driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) simulator, giveaways and raffle prizes.

Biomedical science senior Larissa Barroso tosses a bean bag while playing a game of cornhole during the Spring Break Lu’au March 5, 2024, on the Student Union lawn on the Brownsville campus. THE RIDER FILE PHOTO — *Biomedical science senior Larissa Barroso tosses a bean bag while playing a game of cornhole during the Spring Break Lu’au March 5, 2024, on the Student Union lawn on the Brownsville campus.*
**THE RIDER FILE PHOTO**

“It’s a great way to get together in the Vaquero community before going off for a whole week,” Maldonado said.

Criminal justice freshman Rosa Chavez said it is important to make responsible choices during the break.

“I’ll be driving safely and, since I’m underage, I won’t be drinking or anything,” Chavez said. “I’ll just stay home and relax.”

Yzaguirre said she encourages students to prioritize themselves by taking Spring Break as a time to recharge for the second half of the semester, as well as focusing on their safety this vacation.

“This event is important because it can be easy to get caught up in school activities and stress and not make sure you’re taking care of yourself,” she said. “It’s important for students to think of themselves as a being that needs care, whether it’s mental health, physical health or eating good foods.”