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- [00:00]
Fatima
Foreign.
- [00:08]
Dr. Joy
Hey y', all, thanks so much for joining me for another episode of Therapy for Black Girls University. We'll get right into our conversation after
- [00:15]
Host/Moderator
a word from our sponsors.
- [00:20]
Jaya Renee Bacon
This is an iHeart podcast, Guaranteed Human.
- [00:24]
Dr. Joy
Today's sponsor is Chamberlain University. You've seen them. Nurses who just own every moment, who bring calm to chaos and hope to the hopeless, who make you think, that's exactly the kind of nurse I want to be. That's not by accident. That's by preparation. As the number one largest nursing school in the U.S. chamberlain University has been preparing nurses who don't just meet the moment, they own it. Start your journey at Chamberlain. Edu Chamberlain University belong to something greater Search Certified to Operate by Shiv. You know that moment when your kid
- [00:57]
Host/Moderator
asks for your phone and you're already
- [00:58]
Dr. Joy
bracing yourself for whatever random video they'll disappear into? Have you heard of Lingokids? It's an app where kids are actually playing, singing, tapping and exploring stories. It's colorful, high energy, and designed so kids stay curious instead of just zoning out. They think they're getting a treat and it was built just for them. Lingokids. Everything kids love. Download the Lingokids app now on your phone or tablet. It's free. As you step into a new year, you're probably thinking about all the things you can do to truly make this the year of you. If earning a degree has been on your mind, National University has your back. They understand the realities of busy, working professionals like you in their flexible online formats. Four and eight week courses and monthly class starts help you fit school into your life, not the other way around. And Right now, National University's year of you scholarship offers up to $6,000 annually for eligible bachelor's and master's students who apply by March 31st. Make this the year of you at NU. Learn more today at NU. Edu. I'm Dr. Joy from the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast. Ever been at the pharmacy counter and your mind goes blank when the pharmacist asks and any questions? That's why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CBS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast answers the questions you wish you'd asked, like which meds may not work well together, what vaccines you might need before a trip, and even the ones you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. In this special spring break edition of Therapy for Black Girls University, I sat down with our Advisory Council for a lively and insightful group chat about what spring break really looks like at different stages of the college journey. Jaya, a sophomore, shared her excitement and curiosity as she is still figuring out what spring break means for her. Fatima, a senior, reflected on navigating the pressure to make the most of her last college spring break while staying grounded in what she truly wants. And Mikayla, a recent graduate, offered wisdom about transitioning out of the college bubble and redefining rest, fun, and boundaries in adulthood. Together, we chatted about the culture around Black Spring Break Houston, the joy, community, and misconceptions, how to approach spring break safely with intention and authenticity. We also talked about the financial realities of spring break, how to resist the pressure to keep up with social media aesthetics, and how to use this time off as a meaningful mental health reset. If something resonates with you while enjoying our conversation, please share with us on social media using the hashtag tbginsession. Here's our conversation.
- [03:53]
Host/Moderator
I am very excited to be back with our TBGU Council today. Ladies, would you please start us off by introducing yourselves again and letting us know what school you're representing? We'll start with you, Fatima.
- [04:04]
Fatima
Hi, everyone, My name is Fatima. I'm a senior at Tufts University and I study political science.
- [04:12]
Dr. Joy
Jaya.
- [04:13]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Hi, everyone. My name is Jaya Renee Bacon, and I am a sophomore at the unsinkable Albany State University.
- [04:19]
Dr. Joy
And Mikayla.
- [04:20]
Mikayla
Hi, my name is Mikayla and I'm a graduate of Dillard University.
- [04:24]
Host/Moderator
So we're very excited. The weather is getting better outside, sunshine has returned to our lives, and many of you are preparing for spring break. So what does spring spring break mean to each of you at this stage in your academic journey? So, Fatima, you are preparing for maybe your last spring break? Well, definitely as an undergrad. So what is spring break feeling like to you right now?
- [04:45]
Fatima
I actually just came back from spring break and I feel like for most people, spring break is about, like, vacationing, getting out the country and taking trips. But for me personally, especially because I'm about to graduate, there's just a lot going on and a lot to figure out because of uncertainty about post grad. For me, spring break was a time for me to just reset, recharge, and just catch a break. So that's where I'm at.
- [05:13]
Host/Moderator
Got it. And what about you, Jaya? How are you feeling about the pacing of spring break now that you are a sophomore?
- [05:19]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Yeah, so my spring break ended two weeks ago, and with every break, I agree with Fatima. I just take that time to rest. I don't do Much. I don't go to Daytona, I don't party. I just sleep all the time.
- [05:32]
Host/Moderator
And Michaela, this is your first year without necessarily an official kind of spring break. Right. So what does that feel like for you to not have that built in kind of time off?
- [05:42]
Mikayla
Yes, it's definitely taking some getting used to. I think having the kind of leisure and type of vacation built in. I miss it definitely because as opposed to graduate, I'm working. And so those little things are things that I don't really think about when exiting college. And, you know, I did still get to, you know, get in touch with some of my friends who are still in college and kind of see what's going on in spring break and whatnot. But yeah, it's different. It's cool. But yeah, had a good time still.
- [06:18]
Dr. Joy
Okay.
- [06:19]
Host/Moderator
So Fatima and Jaya, you both mentioned that you did not use the spring break this year as an opportunity to get out. And part of you really used it as a reset and like, okay, let me just maybe catch up on some things and me kind of collect my breath. Is there any feelings of like, oh gosh, like I missed out, like, were other friends traveling and doing maybe more fun things or how are you navigating, kind of watching maybe other people do the Daytona J you mentioned or like the partying versus you kind of just staying put?
- [06:46]
Jaya Renee Bacon
This year for me, I don't necessarily feel like I missed out on anything because I don't like big crowds. With this spring break, I am in the semester right before nursing school, so I'm preparing to take my TE's. So it has been a lot of studying on my end. So being able to go home and just sit down and rest and recollect my thoughts. I got a break that I didn't know I needed because in college I'm so used to being on GO that when I really got time to sit down, I was like, I was actually always working. So I needed this break for myself.
- [07:19]
Fatima
And for me, I did get a bit of FOMO because especially because I'm in my senior year. So I was like, I'm going to look back at this and regret that I didn't do it. But for me, I think what was really important was stepping back and looking at the bigger picture and understanding that I'm not in a race with anyone. And this is really just about my mental well being and my physical well being. And I feel like it also gives me something to work more towards because now the idea I have for myself is that, okay, for graduation and for my birthday, which is in June, like four weeks out from grad, I'm going to do it big. I'm going to treat myself. So I think I'm coping well.
- [08:04]
Host/Moderator
Nice, nice. So, you know, back in my day, so to speak, all we had were, like, stories to tell about, like, what we did on spring break.
- [08:13]
Dr. Joy
Right.
- [08:13]
Host/Moderator
Or what friends did on their spring breaks in years past and even in current years. And now you all have so much social media, there's so much technology, so many different ways to document what's happening. If you think about, like, the time you spend in college and Michaela, the time, the, you know, the years you spend in college, how do you feel like social media has impacted or influenced the ways that you think about spring break?
- [08:36]
Mikayla
I think social media has definitely created an image of what spring break, I guess, quote unquote, should look like. And it's contrary to what both Jaya and Fatima said. Just kind of the recharging and recentering type of vibe. Because I feel like our generation, like we're working really hard because there's a lot of things and uncertainties that we have to navigate or especially in that last year, a couple years before you graduate, slash postgrad. Right. And so I think the image that has created is like this hard line between, okay, you're recharging and recentering and then partying. But I think the image, it's kind of changed over time. I think now it's like, party, party, party, don't sleep. But the reality might be something more closer than to, I'm going to recharge, I'm going to like, move into something fun and small, maybe like a day trip. But mostly we still have school next week, so that sort of thing. That's how I actually spent my last two spring breaks. So. But yeah, I think it's changed depending on what we see.
- [09:48]
Host/Moderator
Anybody else have thoughts about social media and how it has influenced spring break
- [09:51]
Dr. Joy
culture, so to speak? Yes.
- [09:54]
Fatima
So at least from my perspective, I think social media gives the impression that spring break is supposed to be this big, grand thing, like these huge group trips. Like, I know one friend group in my city. They somehow, I don't know how the group, the trip made it out the group chat. But they gathered 20 college students and they all stood in one villa in Dr. And they posted a lot of pictures. It seemed like they had a really great time. But for someone like me or other people who didn't do much for spring break, it can ruin your perception of what it's supposed to be. Of is this supposed to be a time for me to rest or is this supposed to be a picture perfect trip where I'm taking pictures? I have this like a friend group of 15, 20 people. So I think social media definitely amplifies the expectations of what spring break is supposed to look like. Rather than it being a time for rest, it's depicted to be more of a time of partying, which is nothing wrong with it. But yeah, definitely social media plays a big role in that.
- [11:02]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Yes. I definitely agree with both Fatima and Mikayla. Going back to what you said about fear of missing out, I feel that social media plays a part in other students with that fomo. They feel like they have to be at the parties, they have to be at the beaches, they have to take the pictures and they don't necessarily feel like they need to recharge. They feel like it's party, party, party all the time. Yes.
- [11:24]
Host/Moderator
And I wonder if any of you feel like, well, I don't know, Jai, if you were in school, if there's a difference for you, but has there felt like there's a difference pre covered and post Covid to spring break? I mean, because I feel like you were home kind of doing school at home or just on campus. There were some years where we weren't really traveling. Right. And so has there felt like a difference now post covet to the spring break or have you not noticed very much of a difference?
- [11:50]
Jaya Renee Bacon
I don't think I'm the best person to speak to that. During COVID I was in eighth grade and then post covet I was pretty much homeschooled for high school. So it was never a thing like spring break. But I will say the high schoolers now are also participating in spring break, which is something I never knew about before. I was like, when did we start doing this?
- [12:07]
Host/Moderator
But yeah, wow, I was not aware of that. What about for you, Fatima and Michaela, any kind of difference between kind of pre covered and post covered spring break vibes?
- [12:16]
Fatima
So when I started college right after lockdown, so I wasn't in the thick of it before COVID but I did have older siblings who got to experience college pre Covid. And what I will say is that spring break before COVID I feel like was a lot more chill in the sense that it wasn't a big production for social media. It was, yeah, we're going to go to Miami, we're going to go to Puerto Rico, we're going to go to the doctor. And everybody went on their trips, everybody took cute pictures and called it a day. Whereas I feel like post Covid, I don't know what exactly the shift was, but something really did shift where it's like everything is so social media centered now. Yes. Spring break, I feel like is more of a production now than it is an actual trip.
- [13:09]
Mikayla
Yeah, I, I definitely agree with that. I wasn't, I also wasn't really like in the fake event during COVID or before I started college in 2021. So I was right after. And yeah, I mean, at that time, things were kind of getting re. Acclimated back into kind of like a, a semi normal kind of structure when it comes to like spring break and stuff like that. College culture, campus culture, especially at my hbcu, it took like a little bit of time just to get back into the swing of things. But I think now that we've been back for like maybe a year or so, like it has taken a grand kind of scale type of thing. And I agree with the social media playing a huge role in it because it's the expectation to go to all the places that's trending, get content, do all those types of things, which isn't bad, like it's your bag, but is also like, it is becoming like super oversaturated. And it feels like the focus should be more on enjoying yourself and enjoying your peers while you have that time to take that break. Because you know that's the last time it's really going to be built into your schedule. And yeah, I think it should be more focused on having a good time.
- [14:26]
Dr. Joy
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- [15:59]
Host/Moderator
asks for your phone and you're already
- [16:01]
Dr. Joy
bracing yourself for whatever random video they'll disappear into? Have you heard of Lingokids? It's an app where kids are actually playing, singing, tapping and exploring stories. It's colorful, high energy, and designed so kids stay curious instead of just zoning out. They think they're getting a treat and it was built just for them. Lingokids Everything kids love. Download the Lingokids app now on your phone or tablet. It's free. Today's sponsor is Chamberlain University. You've seen them. Nurses who just own every moment. Who bring calm to chaos and hope to the hopeless. Who make you think, that's exactly the kind of nurse I want to be. That's not by accident. That's my preparation. As the number one largest nursing school in the U.S. chamberlain University has been preparing nurses who don't just meet the moment. They own it. Start your journey at Chamberlain. Edu Chamberlain University Belong to something Greater Certified to Operate by Shiv as you step into a new year, you're probably thinking about all the things you can do to truly make this your year. To invest in your growth while still showing up for everything and everyone in your life. Most of us carry so many roles. Partner, employee, caregiver. But there's another role that can open new doors when the time is right. Degree holder. That's where a national university comes in. They understand the reality of busy working professionals and address your needs by offering flexible online formats, four and eight week courses and monthly class starts that work with your life, not against it. In fact, NU confers more graduate degrees to diverse populations than any other institution in the country, with more than half earned by women. And right now, National University is offering the Year of you Scholarship, providing up to $6,000 per year for eligible bachelor's and master's students who apply by March 31st. If you've been waiting for a sign to make this the Year of you, this is it. Learn more at nu.edu. i'm Dr. Joy from the Therapy for Black Girls podcast. Ever been at the pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank. That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, a board certified psychiatrist and health educator, this show takes you behind the counter to answer the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccines you should consider before a big trip, and even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you real trustworthy advice from the experts you see most your neighborhood CVS pharmacists. No white coats, no lectures. Just real talk, real answers and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [19:01]
Host/Moderator
So y' all have mentioned a couple of cities that it feels are still on the map for spring break, right? So definitely when I was in school, people talked about like daytime beach and Miami. One city that I feel like has not been as much of a spring break destination, but that I'm definitely hearing more about this year is Houston. So I'm wondering, are people on your campuses talking about Houston? Are they visiting Houston for spring break and how do you feel? Like, cities like Houston and Miami, like, how did it become such popular attractions for spring break destinations for students?
- [19:32]
Fatima
So one of my suite mates actually went to Houston and I also was a little confused about why Houston was the spot, especially because apparently this is like tropical season in Houston or Texas. People were complaining that like, you guys are coming here but it's going to be raining a lot, which it did, and people were complaining. But I think where the shift is coming from is Miami placing a lot of restrictions on spring break goers. So that like pushed a lot of people out. Miami kind of was telling people, don't come here anymore. And I think where Houston came to play, I don't know because I questioned myself. I was like, why not Atlanta? Because I don't know. But with Houston, I think for Houston, it has a lot of club culture. It's big. And I think also spring break overlapping with rodeo, I think that also played a big role in it as well. I was also telling the group before you joined Ghana, Independence also had like a big stream of parties going on in Houston during like the first week of spring break. So I think what happened with Houston this year, it was like there were three waves of people. There were people coming for the Independence events. There were people coming generally for spring Break. And then there were people there for rodeo as well. And that's how we got what we got this year.
- [21:03]
Host/Moderator
Yeah, you know, it's really interesting because when I think about spring break, I'm thinking typically water, Right. That is what I associated with. And there I don't think it's any water. I mean, maybe the Gulf of Mexico, but like in Houston to kind of go lay out next to. But you bring up a great point around like nightclub culture. Right. In like different cultural kinds of things that may be interesting to students. J What have you been hearing from peers as it relates to Houston and Miami and different places?
- [21:27]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Adding on to Fatima's point, I only seen about a handful of students actually go to Houston from my school for rodeo. A lot of them went to Daytona. And that is because Miami placed so many restrictions on students. But also with the nightclub culture there, like say you were a plus size girl, you probably wouldn't even be able to get into the clubs in Miami. But I know a lot of people want that Florida feel. Like you said, a lot of people want to be around water and be on the beach because I feel that a lot of people subconsciously look at the beach as cleansing. So a lot of people, yeah. Want to be around water.
- [22:02]
Host/Moderator
And Mikayla, you were in school in New Orleans. We know that's just like a quick drive to Houston. So people talking about Houston as a spring break destination at your time in campus.
- [22:13]
Mikayla
So prior to this year, not as many people, even though we were like super duper close, I think it was more of like the Florida Miami vibe. But again, as I said that there are a lot more restrictions and there are a lot of like different identity kind of politics at play, which was a great point. And so Houston has a lot going on this year and I feel like it was very, I would say, like marketed. But a lot of people, like with the plans of the roadie and stuff like that, like they made nice plans and like layouts. So it can be like an easy trip. So you have expectations going into it. I think that's the positive of the social media having an impact is because when people are hosting events and stuff like that, you get a feel of what you're getting into and you can kind of share into the group chat and see if everybody's comfortable with the vibe that Houston has. And it seems like a lot of people that I know who are still currently at my school or probably even one or two years out of graduation all went to Houston to the rodeo and just the surrounding Parties. Like, when a big thing like that is happening in a city, everybody tries to maybe do an event or that type of thing pop up. So it seemed that there was an array of options this time. And I think this time, this go around Houston was the place to go.
- [23:39]
Host/Moderator
So if I'm hearing you correctly, there were maybe like event organizers and maybe like party promoters who were getting packages together almost for students to opt into, like, oh, come spend your spring break here in Houston, and you could just pay for your trip almost in one as opposed to like somebody in your friend group organizing it. Is that kind of what y' all saw happening?
- [23:57]
Mikayla
For sure. People who I saw went there, yeah. They posted all the events that they were attending and like a lot of Greek events, different kind of school kind of theme events. This school versus that school. Like, people really got creative with promoting. And so I think that also was a really big plus in the turnaround.
- [24:18]
Dr. Joy
Got it, Got it.
- [24:19]
Host/Moderator
So, Fatima, you mentioned, but I'm thinking back to like my time in college, and I don't even ever remember having an extra, like 200 to 500 or more dollars to like spend on spring break. And you mentioned, like, all these people getting together and like going to a villa or something in the. And so how have you been hearing peers talk about, like, actually financing spring break? Is this something that's like a gift from family? Are they saving throughout the semester for it, picking up an extra job to do it? Like, how are people getting creative around financing? Hopefully not credit card debt, but how are people getting creative around financing for spring break?
- [24:55]
Fatima
The top answer for that would be those refund checks. A lot of people are. Are using good amount of their refund checks, work study jobs as well. People are picking up those extra shifts, like, before spring break. Everyone I knew did not have their hair done. No nails were done. Everybody was on a very strict and tight budget. So, yeah, that. That's definitely where that's coming from.
- [25:22]
Mikayla
Got it.
- [25:24]
Host/Moderator
Any thoughts there for you, Jaya?
- [25:25]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Yes. As far as how I feel people are funding it, definitely refund checks, definitely their parents. But one thing I've been noticing is a lot of students are asking random students on campus, hey, we're going here for spring break. Do you. Do someone want to put in 195 for the Airbnb? Like complete random students that they never spoke to before. They're just getting together to get Airbnbs and take the trips and flights.
- [25:51]
Host/Moderator
Okay.
- [25:52]
Mikayla
Okay.
- [25:53]
Dr. Joy
What about you, Michaela?
- [25:54]
Mikayla
Yeah, for sure. I'd say like a combination of those Two, like, people would definitely ask outside of their friend group so they can split it up more, because the more you split up the Airbnb or the flight cost, the cheaper it is. And then, like, leading up to spring break, I saw people, like, selling brownies or like, baked goods or, like, go do hair, sell rotel. People were getting really creative on campus around ramping up to spring break because they were saving up. And so they would use whatever talents they had to just support their trip and so. And openly do it. And people understood that there's a common understanding with that. So people were more prone to buying a big good or whatnot and stuff like that. Supporting them.
- [26:39]
Host/Moderator
You know, Jack, you bring up an interesting point. In the interest of just trying to make the trip happen, you end up maybe traveling with strangers or, you know, like, okay, I just need somebody to fill this spot. So, okay, I don't know very much about you, but come on. And the common joke around, like, girls trips and they falling apart after a trip to Miami, I feel like this could be one of the reasons why we sometimes see tension after trips is that there is no real common understanding or very maybe much knowledge of this person that you're even traveling with, which can lead to like, oh, I didn't know this about you because I didn't know very much about you at all. And then maybe some of that spilling over to campus. Have you seen any kind of fallout from that, even this year around people who maybe didn't know each other that well? And then the group trip did not go so well.
- [27:24]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Yeah, like, group chat did not make it out of Miami together. I've seen, and it's sad to say what I've seen, like, girls get left on beaches and stuff. Girls get left back in the air. BnBs, because they. It's different when you are having a peer or a friend and you guys only ever talk or meet outside of a shared space. But then when you're living together and you're not agreeing with what one person does and what the next person does, and you guys are getting into arguments about silly things and this group's breaking up pretty much like you said, group chat, not making it out of Miami, falling out out of Miami. I think that is one of the main reasons why. Because they don't know the people that they are going on these trips with. Not well enough anyways.
- [28:06]
Fatima
Well, for me, today's the first day back from spring break, so I guess I. I haven't heard anything just yet, but I'm sure I'll hear things as it goes. But looking back past couple of years of college, yeah, I've definitely seen those kind of issues. And more times than often it's not a situation of oh, you took people you don't know on trips, it's you went with your friends but they were pre existing divides in the friend group that just got amplified on the trip and you come back from the trip and now it's like, okay, now everybody sees it for what it is and you see the whole fallout happen after that.
- [28:48]
Host/Moderator
Yeah. So maybe issues that should have been discussed before you actually took the trip and maybe even people thinking like, oh, this trip will make it better. Right. Like we'll just have fun together when we know that that is not always the case.
- [29:00]
Fatima
Yes.
- [29:01]
Host/Moderator
Got it, got it. So I know you are already thinking ahead, Fatima, to your birthday celebration and post graduation celebration. But for each of you, are there places that are not like typical spring break spots that you're thinking like, oh, this is on my vision board that I would like to vacation or have a trip there one day?
- [29:21]
Fatima
Yes. So my sisters and I are talking about south of France, hopefully for a grad slash birthday trip. South of France is a popular summer spot for vacationing, but not necessarily for spring break. My sister also suggested Mykonos, which is also not spring break. And I guess this could be a spring break spot but not at the same time. But St. Vincent, it's pretty close by. It's the island, but I haven't really heard it as a spot that people go to for spring break. Those are the top three places that I'm looking at. We'll see what works out but hopefully one of them work out.
- [30:02]
Dr. Joy
What about you, Mikayla?
- [30:04]
Host/Moderator
Any places on your list for the future?
- [30:07]
Mikayla
I think like for the summer, like my, I also have a summer birthday. I'm also a Gemini. So I'm thinking like I'll be moving to my, to my grad program in New York. And so I think honestly there to start with, just discovering certain aspects of the city and stuff like that. I think that's where I'm looking at going. Not a typical spring break spot from my knowledge. But I think honestly though I'm seeing that spring break is going from like more of like a tropical by the water vibe to like city vibes just because of organizing in the city and club culture and stuff like that. So I'm excited to check that out in New York. I've never been and yeah. See what it's about.
- [30:51]
Host/Moderator
Exciting.
- [30:53]
Dr. Joy
What about you, Diana?
- [30:55]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Yeah, so I am an Haitian American and I'm learning more about that side of myself because my mom doesn't really talk about it. I've started meeting more of my family members lately with the past winter break and Christmas and whatnot. So I know a lot of people don't want to go to Haiti, but I, if I don't go to where my people are from, I at least want to step my flit on the sand, on the soil over there to be like, okay, this is where I'm from and get to know more about it. And I don't think that's on a lot of people's vision boards per se because I hear a lot of stigma around Haiti and not going over there and whatnot. If I can get over there, I'm going.
- [31:34]
Host/Moderator
Yeah, it sounds really important, both as a, like, beautiful place to visit, but also it feels very important to you, roots wise and like, this is where I'm from, this is where my family is from.
- [31:43]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Yes, definitely.
- [31:46]
Host/Moderator
So, Michaela, is there anything that you wish that you had known about spring break before actually starting college?
- [31:53]
Mikayla
Ooh, man, that is a great question. I think for me, what I wish that I've known before, like spring break culture is honestly just doing more. Like for me, I'm a bit artsy, right? And so I love to take Polaroids and have kind of physical media and stuff like that. I think I'll definitely invest more into that kind of way of archiving these experiences or just talking about it rather than social media. I think, like, I've definitely been influenced to just do things for spring break that I wasn't or my friends weren't honestly super interested in. It's just what's happening, right? Or it's just where, you know, everybody's at recording. So going into spring break for me, it's not a typical kind of answer to this question, but I would definitely take more Polaroids, like have a little film camera, have a little camcorder, like just so I can hold the memories of my hand and have to, you know, scroll to find them.
- [32:55]
Dr. Joy
So nice. More from our conversation after the break. If you've got kids between the ages of 2 and 8, you know that not all apps are created equal. If you want something that actually gets them excited and thinking, then check out Lingokids. It's an absolute blast. It's a world of interactive games, music they'll want to sing along to, and stories that spark their imagination. It's high energy, it's vibrant, and it keeps them actively playing rather than just zoning out. Whether it's a rainy afternoon or a weekend morning, it's the fun they're looking for and the quality you want. Lingokids Everything kids love. See why millions of families love it? Download the Lingokids app on your phone or tablet now for free. Today's sponsor is Chamberlain University. You've seen them. Nurses who just own every moment, who bring calm to chaos and hope to the hopeless, who make you think, that's exactly the kind of nurse I want to be. That's not by accident. That's by preparation. As the number one largest nursing school in the U.S. chamberlain University has been preparing nurses who don't just meet the moment. They own it. Start your journey at Chamberlain. Edu Chamberlain University Belong to something greater Certified to operate by Chev as you step into a new year, you're probably thinking about all the things you can do to truly make this your year. To invest in your growth while still showing up for everything and everyone in your life. Life Most of us carry so many roles. Partner, employee, caregiver. But there's another role that can open new doors when the time is right. Degree holder. That's where a national university comes in. They understand the reality of busy working professionals and address your needs by offering flexible online formats, four and eight week courses and monthly class starts that work with your life, not against it. In fact, NU confers more graduate degrees to diverse populations than any other institution in the country, with more than half earned by women. And right now, National University is offering the Year of you scholarship, providing up to $6,000 per year for eligible bachelor's and master's students who apply by March 31st. If you've been waiting for a sign to make this the Year of you, this is it. Learn more at nu.edu Dr. Joy I'm Dr. Joy from the Therapy for Black Girls podcast. Ever been at the pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank? That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, a board certified psychiatrist and health educator, this show takes you behind the counter to answer the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccines you should consider before a big trip, and even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you real, trustworthy advice from the experts you see most your neighborhood CVS pharmacist. No white coats, no lectures Just real talk, real answers, and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [36:17]
Host/Moderator
Njaya, you mentioned you are preparing for nursing school and thinking about what the future of your program will look like. Is there anything that you're hoping that you will do differently in spring breaks in the future years?
- [36:29]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Yes. So going into college, I wish I would have known how important spring break is in terms of resting. In my case, this past spring break, I had no plans, so I just went home and rested. But I really wish I would have been the student to save up to go somewhere even if it wasn't in place like we said, Daytona, Houston. I wish that I would have went somewhere to actually clear my mind and not somewhere I'm so familiar with, like, to actually be like, okay, yeah, you know, I did this. And with like having to take my teas and going into nursing school, I just wish I took it more serious because now this is the only time in my life where this break is really built in. So it went to my schedule. So now it's like, okay, things are getting serious and I. Nursing students don't necessarily have a spring break, they don't necessarily have a winter break. It's always work and no play with them for most of the time. So I wish I would have took it more serious.
- [37:19]
Host/Moderator
As I'm hearing y' all say, talk about this. And Michaela, you even mentioned, you know, now you're in between undergrad and preparing for your grad program, thinking about like adult life, so to speak, right? And like, there are not these built in breaks. And it's making me think of like, how can we do a better job of being intentional about creating these breaks for ourselves, right? Like it, it comes as a part of the program when you're in school, but like, you still need breaks as an adult. And so how do we prepare for that, you know, save for that? How do we protect that time on our calendar so that we don't like burn out or find ourselves really crashing out because we have not taken a break. And I don't think that we always do the best job of thinking about that as adults. But I think that if I could give a piece of advice to you would be to think about like, okay, how do I protect time even if it's not a full week, right? Like, maybe it's a couple of long weekends here and there so that you are still being intentional about giving yourself those breaks even though, you know, you don't have the name spring break anymore. And Fatima, is there a piece of advice that you would offer to maybe first years or sophomores about spring break?
- [38:22]
Fatima
The biggest piece of advice I would always tell people is to not compare yourselves, especially as a first year coming in. Think spring break is one of the first times you really see, I guess, the financial gaps between not necessarily maybe you and your peers. It could be you and your peers, but just your college community seeing the kind of lavish trips some people are able to go on with their families and friends. So the first thing is to not compare yourself or to not feel bad. And the second thing I would always say, like, yeah, like just if you have the opportunity to do it, then 100% do it. Because these are the only four years of your life where a break is actually built into your schedule. When I went on break with my friends earlier this year when I was in Ghana in January, one of my friends made a joke and it was like, oh my gosh, guys, can you believe that next year we're going to have to put in PTO to do this? So it's like just knowing how to actually take advantage of it. So if the opportunity presents itself, 100% do it.
- [39:31]
Host/Moderator
I love that. So you've all kind of talked about kind of making spring break and these different things your own. What are your thoughts about like creating traditions like these for yourselves and things that you might share with other college students. Any ideas about how you're planning to do that kind of post undergrad life?
- [39:48]
Fatima
So for me, I plan on guess depending on however my post grad job would look like, choosing a specific time of the year to just always tell myself that this is when I'm taking my PTO 100%. I've grown up watching my parents do it. My parents take their PTO together every September, so they get to vacation together after working so hard during the year. And I even see my sisters do it. Every June they take a summer trip together. And now that I'm graduating, I can finally join them. But I think it's really, really great. And it's been nice for me being able to see that example set in my life by people that I look up to because they're all very hardworking individuals. But seeing them make the conscious effort to take a break and treat themselves shows me that life is not all about working.
- [40:46]
Dr. Joy
What about you, Jaya?
- [40:48]
Jaya Renee Bacon
If I'm being honest, I've never necessarily thought that far out about what I'll do when I get out of college in Terms of giving myself a break, I can say that with being going on the non traditional path to medicine, I'll be a nurse first. So I think like from what I know thus far, my job will allow me to have those breaks because we are working 12 hour shifts. I know my body will be tired, but it's not as if, if I'm working every single day. To me right now, when I think postgrad, I'm thinking of breaking generational curses because I am a first gen student. So I'm thinking, okay, let me get the good job, let me go back to school to get another degree so that I can buy my own car, buy my own house, so I can get my family out of the predicament that I grew up in so that we don't have to repeat those same patterns. So if I were to sit here right now and think of what I can do to have some stress free days, I would say to I've learned this recently to build in like a Sunday to where I don't answer any phone calls and I just do my own thing for that day and not worry about the stress of the outside world.
- [42:04]
Dr. Joy
And what about you, Michaela?
- [42:06]
Mikayla
Yeah, I for sure think that like a tradition or something that I take about like spring break. It's just like when for me and as a postgraduate, especially one who has her job and like Gen Z, this whole kind of exiting college and getting a job self advocacy is something that I'm going to consider more because Gen Z hiring is having a lot of issues when it comes to taking breaks and having workloads and you're young, you're in the office, so they're going to throw a lot out to you and be like, oh, they can do that, they can do this, they can do that. But when you're used to having four consistent years of a break or just your own autonomy in that type of thing, it's a hard transition to go into a place where you have to then prove that you need a break, but everybody needs one. And so I think just having a level of self advocacy and also just checking in on peers who might be in a similar situation in their workplace no matter what kind of occupation we're in to just it's going to be hard, it's going to be difficult, but you need a break. And if you're not getting opportunity to do so because of such a situation, then you know, you have to be an advocate for yourself and make sure that that happens.
- [43:26]
Host/Moderator
Thank you so much for sharing that. It has Been so much fun to hear more about all of the things that y' all have done for spring break and thoughts that you have around spring breaks for the future. As we wrap up, please remind us where we can find you online. Jaya, if you'll start by sharing any social media channels, channels you'd like to share.
- [43:42]
Jaya Renee Bacon
You guys can find me at Jirene on all socials. On LinkedIn, it is Jaya Bacon. So, first name J y a Renee R e N e E e on Instagram and Tick Tock and I am currently building a website for college students surrounded around internships, scholarships, fellowships and mental health resources. I am calling it the Sunday Spread. So that will be available very soon. And if you guys can follow that Instagram as well.
- [44:06]
Dr. Joy
Perfect. What about you, Mikayla?
- [44:08]
Mikayla
Yeah. So across my platforms, LinkedIn is just my first and last name, but it's Mikayla M I k a y L a Weary W e a r y I share all the things that I'm organizing and accomplishments, stuff like that on there. Then if you want to follow my Instagram where I post all my creative work, it is vtv MOV stands for BlackBerry Berry. That is my independent curation and media company. So if you want to follow that, please do it.
- [44:38]
Fatima
Perfect.
- [44:39]
Host/Moderator
And Fatima is on LinkedIn.
- [44:42]
Fatima
You can find me. It's my full name. So it's Fatima F A t I m a Zara Z a h r a and Kasim K a s S I m. If you're looking for me on Instagram, it's Zara Z a h r a a dot. My last name Kassim K a s S I m and I'm looking active on my website. I have a website where I post different political and social issues surrounding Black and Diaspora places. And you can find that@koidazar.com which is K O Y I D A Z- A H R A dot com.
- [45:25]
Dr. Joy
Beautiful.
- [45:25]
Host/Moderator
We will be sure to include all of those in the show notes. Thank you all so much for spending some time with me again today. I appreciate it.
- [45:30]
Jaya Renee Bacon
Thank you.
- [45:31]
Mikayla
Thank you.
- [45:36]
Dr. Joy
I'm so glad the Council was able to join me for today's conversation. Their honesty about navigating expectations, finances and mental health during this time of year is such a powerful reminder that spring break doesn't have to look one way. Whether you're traveling, staying home, working or resting, you deserve to choose what supports your well being. If you'd like to learn more about tbgu or explore more of our resources, visit the website at therapyforblackgirls.com tvgu and don't forget to text this episode to two of your girls right now. This episode was produced by Elise Ellis, Inde Chubu and Tyree Rush. Editing was done by Dennison Bradford. Thank y' all so much for joining me for another episode of tbgu. I look forward to continuing this conversation
- [46:19]
Host/Moderator
with you all real soon.
- [46:20]
Fatima
Take good care.
- [46:23]
Dr. Joy
Today's sponsor is Chamberlain University. You've seen them. Nurses who just own every moment, who bring calm to chaos and hope to the hopeless, who make you think, that's exactly the kind of nurse I want to be. That's not by accident, that's by preparation. As the number one largest nursing school in the us, Chamberlain University has been preparing nurses who don't just meet the moment, they own it. Start your journey at Chamberlain. Edu Chamberlain University Belong to something greater Certified to operate by Chev We've all been there. You're trying to get dinner started or just need 10 minutes of peace to
- [46:58]
Host/Moderator
finish a phone call.
- [47:00]
Dr. Joy
You want to give your kids something to do, but you want it to be good content. That's where LingoKids comes in. It's an app for kids 2 to 8 that focuses on peer interactive joy. It turns their time into an adventure where they're exploring and playing in a safe space built just for them. You get a moment to breathe and they get an experience they're actually excited about. It's the kind of win win every parent needs. Lingokids Everything kids love. Give your kids the play they love. Download the LingoKids app now on your phone or tablet and it's free. As you step into a new year, you're probably thinking about all the things you can do to truly make this the year of you. If earning a degree has been on your mind, National University has your back. They understand the realities of busy working professionals like you in their flexible online formats. Four and eight week courses and monthly class starts help you fit school into your life, not the other way around. And Right now, National University's year of you scholarship offers up to $6,000 annually for eligible bachelor's and master's students who apply by March 31st. Make this the year of you at NU. Learn more today at NU. Edu.
- [48:11]
Jaya Renee Bacon
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.