Students spend "Alternative Spring Break" working with less fortunate in D.C., South Carolina

RACHEL KINGSTROM

Staff Writer

Instead of taking a week off from classes to relax, some students chose to spend their break helping others.

Three different alternative break trips were sponsored by Discovering Vocation and the chapel. The trips occurred from February 21 through February 28. “I’ve been on several trips with my youth group in which I’ve worked for Habitat, but this year has been by far the greatest trip of all,” said Sarah DeYoung (07).

One group went to Charleston, South Carolina for the Collegiate Challenge for Habitat for Humanity. Two other groups went to Washington, D.C. to deal with two different issues. One of the Washington, D.C. groups dealt with the issues of poverty and homelessness in an urban setting, and the other dealt with the issues of AIDS and HIV.

Kim Graor (06) was the team leader for the Habitat for Humanity group, which took part in building houses for homeless. Graor went on the trip with 16 other students and 2 faculty members, Kristeen Crosser, assistant professor of theatre, and Skip Traynor, media and publications editor. “Everyone got along really well and worked well together. The people in South Carolina were really great and made us feel useful,” said Emily Kellerman (06).

Chaplain Christine Vogel and Sally Scheide of the Kirk Center led the groups going to Washington, D.C. They stayed in a youth hostel at the Pilgrimage, an old Presbyterian church. The Pilgrimage brings in groups and supports them in different mission outreach programs while they are there. Various Alma College alumni in the area supported the groups, either by visiting them or providing them with meals.

Students had the opportunity to serve in agencies that deal with either issues of homelessness or AIDS. Both groups went to Capitol Hill to speak with legislators about the issues. Both of the Washington, D.C. groups and the Charleston group had the opportunity to do some sightseeing in their respective cities.

The two D.C. groups worked on separate issues during the day but came together in the evening. “It [gave] the two groups a chance to reflect on major social and urban issues,” Rev. Vogel said. They had evening speakers, including representatives from MetroTeen Aids and the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Each of the groups had the chance to work in the city. The group dealing with AIDS visited HIV/AIDS clinics. Students involved with the issues of homelessness and poverty worked in soup kitchens.

Many participants found the trips to be worthwhile. It gave everyone a chance to make new friends and work together to help out in the community. The trips also provided another escape from the infamous Alma Bubble. “It was an eyeopening experience,” Daniela Benitez (04).

Many students expressed the importance of going on service trips. “You get to see the needy outside of your community and spread love throughout the country,” DeYoung said. Others shared DeYoung’s views. “If people need service and you can provide it, then you should do it. It’s just an amazing experience,” said Kellerman.

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