"To bring together members of the University community who would not have otherwise interacted in their usual social spheres, in a common goal of service to the global community and cultural awareness and understanding."
So reads the mission statement of Alternative Spring Break, a fairly new and independent CIO on Grounds.
The organization's expansive ideology is reflected in its ambitious plans for Spring Break every year. Forget the Bahamas, Cancun or even home-sweet- home in dear Northern Virginia for that matter.
Alternative Spring Break challenges the conventional spring break plans of a college student by providing several service opportunities in communities both national and international.
This year, the organization is planning trips to the Dominican Republic, Arizona, South Carolina and Philadelphia. As second-year College student Pam Wren, Public Relations Co-chair of the organization, explained, each of the sites provides a unique service opportunity for volunteers.
Wren's own experience with the organization took her to a small village in Belize last spring, where she literally taught a week's worth of fourth grade classes at a school called Sacred Heart.While Wren did lecture on religion, math and English, she said perhaps she was most useful in being a voice of encouragement for the kids.
"You're just there to make them smile for the week, to keep them motivated to learn more, even if the environment for learning isn't that great," Wren said.
Wren and her group of 11 other University students brought some extra fun into the scene as well. The group set up an after-school camp for the week they were there, having "the most fun I think I've ever had," Wren said.
Although their experiences in Belize were limited to one week, the results of the trip were far-reaching.
For one, unexpected friendships were formed.
"The people I met there are now my dear friends. I had never met them before," Wren said, who ran for Publicity co-chair with Christina Kelleher, a friend made on the Belize trip.
Many members of Wren's group also kept close ties with the children they taught in Belize, sending them supplies once they were back in the U.S.
Alternative Spring Break is holding an information session at Clark 108 tonight at 7:30.
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