Students Plan Alternative Break Service Trips
More than 100 Alma College students and staff will model “service
over self” when they embark on Alternative Break service trips to six
locations throughout the United States during their winter break.
“Alternative Break service experiences continue to gain popularity on
Alma College’s campus,” said Sallie Scheide, assistant director of
Discovering Vocation. “I thought that we had reached our maximum number
of participants last year, but there is an increase once again.
“We currently have 96 students and 11 staff members ready to pack their
bags in preparation to serve others, compared to 89 students and 12
staff last year. These numbers do not include the 19 students who
traveled to Mississippi with Chaplain Carol Gregg during Christmas
break,” she said.
Alternative Breaks, scheduled for the week of Feb. 24 through March 3,
are a great way for students to get off campus, engage in service
opportunities, learn about social issues and experience new cultures,
said Krissie Divers, Newberry Hall director.
“Perhaps the best part, though, is that these students bring their
experiences back to the college and community,” said Divers. “Past
participants have reunited to work at local Habitat for Humanity sites,
and this year we’re looking to make that reorientation even bigger.
Student site leaders will be starting to plan local community service
while on their breaks so that they can effectively bring their skills
and commitment to service back to the Alma community.”
Flint senior Kelly Barber, who will be participating on her second
Alternative Break trip, said helping others gives her a new perspective
on the world around her.
“When helping others I realize how fortunate I am,” she said. “I often
lose this sense in my daily life, going to class and socializing with
friends. After participating in Alternative Break, I was motivated to
continue with service in my community and daily life. I also gained a
bond with a wonderful group of people with the passion to serve.”
This year’s service projects include:
• working on a Habitat for Humanity home in Belen, New Mexico. Manual
labor may include dry walling, framing, roofing or anything that goes
into building a home;
• constructing wheelchair ramps at private homes in Nashville, Tenn., for United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee;
• assisting teachers and students in classroom and after-school programs at an urban elementary school in Philadelphia;
• constructing trails in the Smoky Mountain section of the Sundquist Wildlife Management Area in LaFollette, Tenn.;
• assisting with Hurricane Katrina clean-up efforts in Louisiana with National Relief Network of Greenville, Mich.;
• working to relieve urban poverty through various agencies coordinated by Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C.
Discovering Vocation: The Lilly Project at Alma College financially
supports the majority of Alternative Break expenses, which include
agency fees, travel, room, board and at least one cultural experience
in the area. Student leaders are responsible for organizing their
service team and logistical deals, including pre- and post-trip
activities.
Posted: Wed, February 14th, 2007 at 9:15AM
