Students Tan for Spring Break
by Sean Maroney & Kristi Keck

It's expensive.

It's dangerous.

But for the many college students who visit tanning salons each day – it's worth it.

“It makes you look healthy,” said UNC-CH student Ashley McKnight, “even though it's kind of ironic, because later on in life you look like a piece of leather."

UNC-CH juniors Kristin Curtis and McKnight said tanning is a necessity.

"Tanning is a big part of my planning process for spring break," said Kristin Curtis.

Doctors say tanning beds can cause some serious damage, but Curtis said she's not worried.

"My theory is that by the time I get cancer from the tanning bed, they will have a cure for cancer," said Kristin.

If you don't buy into her theory – and the thought of being closed inside what some call a “cancer coffin” makes you panic – you can opt for a spray tan.

But beware – it, too, has side effects.

"It’s really stinky,” said McKnight, “and you smell kind of bad for like a couple days afterwards."

According to these students, however, the pros of a tan outweigh any cons.
"People are just more attracted to people that are tan," said Kristin.
And isn't that what spring break is all about?