Alternative spring breaks offer service, experience
By: Lauren Clark
Issue date: 3/11/08 Section: News
This spring break, the Compton Center for Peace and Justice in partnership with the Hartman House and Habitat for Humanity will take two groups of students to Valdosta, Ga., and Hattiesburg, Miss., to assist in the rebuilding of the two towns which were overwhelmingly struck by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Members of the Compton Center participated in the same alternative spring break trip last year, spending half a day in New Orleans, then traveling to the surrounding area and helping out with rebuilding the city there. This encouraged some students, including Junior Kimberly Stowers, to participate again this year.
"I went on the trip last year, and it really opened up my eyes," said Stowers. "I was in awe [at the extent of the damage] and being there made me question government policies. Like for instance, why haven't they tried harder in helping these people get their homes back. Why are we focusing on a war across an ocean when we have horrible problems like this in our own country?"
Stowers is taking the trip again this year as an intern with the Compton Center. She will be in charge of the Hattiesburg trip while senior Jessie Holmes takes a group to Valdosta.
"We'll be in two separate locations, but for the most part, we'll be doing the same things like finding affordable housing for those who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina," Stowers said. "We'll be working about six to seven hours a day building houses, painting, putting sinks in and whatever else we can do, all week long."
The application process to participate in this trip will not be a competitive one because they are looking for as many people to participate as possible. The trip to Mississippi leaves March 24 and the Georgia trip leaves March 22.
"It costs about $200 to $300, but that really depends on how many people go, insurance, food and different expenses," Stowers said.
Freshman Yang Chen said that she is interested in applying for the trip.
"I'm applying to go on the trip, because I think I will be a great help to the people who have suffered so much over the past few years having their lives torn completely apart," Chen said. "I would want the same kind of help if it had been me."
Other campus organizations are planning alternative spring break trips as well. JC will be traveling to Louisville, Ky., on a mission trip. Freshman Ellen Snell is planning on attending this trip for community service.
"We'll be building and painting houses, while also reaching out to people and discussing religion." Snell said. "About 10 to 12 people will be going. It should be fun."
Stowers encouraged students to apply for the trips.
"Any chance that students get to help out is bound to be an amazing," Stowers said. "I wish I had time to talk to every person on this campus about how wonderful it is doing a service trip such as what we are achieving on these trips."
Members of the Compton Center participated in the same alternative spring break trip last year, spending half a day in New Orleans, then traveling to the surrounding area and helping out with rebuilding the city there. This encouraged some students, including Junior Kimberly Stowers, to participate again this year.
"I went on the trip last year, and it really opened up my eyes," said Stowers. "I was in awe [at the extent of the damage] and being there made me question government policies. Like for instance, why haven't they tried harder in helping these people get their homes back. Why are we focusing on a war across an ocean when we have horrible problems like this in our own country?"
Stowers is taking the trip again this year as an intern with the Compton Center. She will be in charge of the Hattiesburg trip while senior Jessie Holmes takes a group to Valdosta.
"We'll be in two separate locations, but for the most part, we'll be doing the same things like finding affordable housing for those who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina," Stowers said. "We'll be working about six to seven hours a day building houses, painting, putting sinks in and whatever else we can do, all week long."
The application process to participate in this trip will not be a competitive one because they are looking for as many people to participate as possible. The trip to Mississippi leaves March 24 and the Georgia trip leaves March 22.
"It costs about $200 to $300, but that really depends on how many people go, insurance, food and different expenses," Stowers said.
Freshman Yang Chen said that she is interested in applying for the trip.
"I'm applying to go on the trip, because I think I will be a great help to the people who have suffered so much over the past few years having their lives torn completely apart," Chen said. "I would want the same kind of help if it had been me."
Other campus organizations are planning alternative spring break trips as well. JC will be traveling to Louisville, Ky., on a mission trip. Freshman Ellen Snell is planning on attending this trip for community service.
"We'll be building and painting houses, while also reaching out to people and discussing religion." Snell said. "About 10 to 12 people will be going. It should be fun."
Stowers encouraged students to apply for the trips.
"Any chance that students get to help out is bound to be an amazing," Stowers said. "I wish I had time to talk to every person on this campus about how wonderful it is doing a service trip such as what we are achieving on these trips."
Be the first to comment on this story