Spring break was my favorite week of college. I took trips all along the West Coast, from Seattle down to Ensenada, Mexico.

Even though I graduated four years ago, my brothers and I still reminisce about the road trips, long days on the beach and late nights that turned into early mornings. I’ve got stories I’ll still be sharing when I have grandkids… and some I’ll probably omit.

While I had fun, I definitely made some mistakes along the way. And that’s why I’m writing to you… I’d like to share some advice with you. Here are 11 things I wish I would have known about spring break:

1. The drive there can ruin the trip.
Excitement can easily make the trip to spring break the most dangerous part of the trip– long drive with no sleep, poppin’ a beer in the backseat or peer pressure to do stupid things on the interstate. Resist the temptation to be wild or break a law. Create an epic road trip mix on Spotify, put your feet up on the dashboard and chill until you make it safely.

2. What happens on spring break, doesn’t always stay on spring break.
“Get out of jail free cards” only happen in Monopoly. Bad decisions will follow you home and impact your reputation, employment status and relationships. 

3. Social media doesn’t go away (see #2).
Be careful what you and your group put on social media. Your crazy Facebook post might garner its fair share of ‘likes,’ but the perceptions those photos or Snapchats will make on others can ruin your reputation for years to come. Also, perception is reality, and it’s difficult to try to explain to your mom or high school teacher that you weren’t really trying to break into Chick-fil-A at 4 a.m. 

4. Leave your books at home, but bring your brain.
Liquid courage often makes dangerous or stupid decisions a lot easier to justify, but “everyone’s doing it” is not justification to join in. Whether it’s getting a tattoo of the Pillsbury Doughboy or underage drinking on the beach. Actions still have consequences. 

5. You’re the average of your top five friends… and fellow spring breakers.
This week can be a tempting time to seek out the Johnny Knoxville of your friend group, knowing he is going to have the best stories. But is waking up in a jail cell with one flip flop really an “epic” story? Do yourself a favor and stick with the smarter decision makers. 

6. Different states have different laws.
Do your research before you go. Cops do not accept ignorance as an excuse and “but back on campus, that isn’t a big deal” doesn’t get you out of a ticket or handcuffs. 

7. Your best memories aren’t the dangerous ones.
Your best memories are the ones that you actually remember. I was always tempted to come back with a crazy story and every time I gave into that pressure, I regretted it. My best memories don’t involve breaking laws… they involved great people, beautiful weather and lots of laughs. 

8. The buddy system isn’t just for middle schoolers.
You’re in a foreign place, act like it. Always stay in a group, and don’t let your brothers, friends or dates stray away alone. And if you go in a large crowded area, set a meet up spot and time… even if it’s Waffle House at 2 a.m. 

9. Drink water and use sunscreen.
Sun, waves and sand all make it easy to forget about the bare essentials. I promise your ice chest has room for some sunscreen and water bottles. 

10. Your SigEp letters aren’t spring break proof.
Even if they aren’t on your chest, people know that you’re a SigEp. Your actions, good or bad, will reflect on all of your brothers. Remember, we committed to Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love for all 365 days of the year. We are always wearing our letters. 

11. The best choice isn’t always the most obvious choice.
Not every spring break involves alcohol and sand. One of my best spring breaks was a trip out east to visit my best friend at Northeastern University in Boston. It was awesome exploring a great city while she was in class and hanging out with her friends. I even met up with a friend from San Diego who was in town. Also consider going camping, white water rafting or skiing, or going on a mission trip. 

Spring break should be fun, not the event we point back on as the downfall of our reputation, relationship or chapter. Follow these tips and prepare to make lifelong memories with your brothers.

Kevin Kwoka, San Diego State ’11, is the Organizational Development Specialist for Orion Energy Systems, Inc.