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The Battalion
Page 3 • Monday, November 10, 2003
The road less traveled
Iternative Spring Break offers a new view of the annual week-long party
By Katie Wigginton
THE BATTALION
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c issues , Chris Young, a senior environmental design major, prods at his desk
veying drawing plans. He looks at all the intricate measurements
sitaMt make up the structure. While eyeing them, his mind drifts and he
nembers a particular spring break when those numbers on the page
ant something more than a numerical value because he was build-
;ahome for a poverty-stricken family with his own two hands.
Alternative Spring Break (ABS) is relatively new to A&M and the
eof the organization is growing each year, in Lieu of the “normal”
ing break choices of beaches or snowy mountains, more students
seeking out enlightening, memorable and life-changing experi-
cesthat impact the future of the individual as well as the commu-
y at large.
“It seemed like every year, 1 would hear about my friends’ spring
laksand the story sounded the same every year,” Young said. “I love
party just like everybody else, but I wanted to get out of Texas for
break and do something special.”
Young and about 10 other students piled into a van and traveled to
braska to help low-income families construct houses with Habitat
1 Humanity. Even though the accommodations were not entirely
her class(■p ea ij n g ) young said, he believes minimal sacrifices are worth it.
rst certai: 5 est p ar{ was when ^e family came out to their house and
currennvi e() j- ^ |j tt | e gj r | s was te jjj n g me h ow excited she was to have a
thday party in her new home,” Young said.
According to Jillian Somers, president of ASB and a senior
r-JgM major, Alternative Spring Break, a chapter of the national
f, na(llI jj mprofit and non-religious service organization. Break Away, selects
n( eK j out three agencies and locations in the United States that deal with
jrange of social topics and issues of concern,
rout hast! Once the three agencies are selected, three separate groups are
ling tentt ucatedon their specific issue beforehand and travel to their loca-
spel coi m of service during spring break. At night, each group gathers
orism, f g e th er to talk about the day’s activities and individuals share the
e, woiMi ;rsona i e ff ec t taken from the day to further ignite his or her aware-
ttoflcn® ;s s 0 f the situation.
j Angela Gray, a coordinator of volunteer services at the Department
y 'TStudent Activities, stays active in the community by advising vol
te groups at Texas A&M such as Big Event, Replant and
iternative Spring Break.
“1 applaud organizations such as Big Event and Replant for show
ing the importance of service outside the A&M community,” Gray
id,“That’s where the service starts, but that is not where it ends.”
Gray said ASB is important because it takes the time and effort to
rv lifer education with social issue, hands-on service experience and the
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opportunity to reflect and make meaning within the individual who
impacts him personally. Yet that impact ripples out to the community
as well.
The ripple is already taking affect as ASB has added a trip, along
with 11 new participants, each year since it formed in 2000.
Gray said ASB started out with seven students on an environmen
tal trip to the Gila National Forest in New Mexico.
Each year expanded its membership and scope to add differ
ent issues such as animal rescue, inner city youth and education
and cultural connections. For spring break in 2004, low-income
housing, helping senior citizens, conservation and wilderness
reclamation for the environment are the topics selected for the
upcoming trip.
Typically, this particular agenda would not appeal to the col
lege spring breaker, but members of all classes and majors are
joining despite having to sacrifice alcohol and parties during the
break week.
Jon Todd, vice-president of staff development for ASB and a sen
ior journalism major, joined the organization as just another meek and
mild freshman looking for an organization to join among the pletho
ra surrounding him at open house.
When spring break arrived, Todd became appreciative of the per
sonal experience he gained from the service road trips and he con
tinues to bring back with him the memories and advantages each
year.
“I think the biggest advantage is that it is the cheapest, yet safest,
fun you can have for spring break,” Todd said.
He said the trip costs about $250 per person, but fund raising is
attempted every year to lower the cost to around $150. This cost cov
ers housing, food and everything in between — except souvenirs.
Along with the low cost, meeting new people, going to a different
place and overall allowing an escape from the everyday life that is
the purpose of spring break, there are also career advantages to join
ing ASB.
“Showing on your resume that you worked with the community
and you can work within a team looks good to all companies,” Young
said.
Gray also advises that the trip can be an advantage to making
career connections and finding mentors and internships. She said
one fonner trip participant received an internship because of the trip.
“I do believe there is an ASB movement of growth that is
starting to happen at A&M,” Gray said. “Students of all different
races, religions and ages are out there taking the opportunities
given to them to change not only their personal place as a citizen
in college but the active citizen they can become afterward that
will inherently shape their lives and the world they share with
everybody else.”
Tony piedra • THE BATTALION
For more information about ASB or if you would like to
become a trip participant, contact Angela Gray at (979) 458-3347
or e-mail at asb(5)stuact.tamu.edu. Applications are being accept
ed until Friday, Nov. 21.
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