Alternative Spring Break was worth it
To the Editor:
Alternative Spring Break is a way of service to the community instead of vacationing. There were five groups from Virginia Commonwealth University that particiapted in Alternative Spring Break; our group consisted of ten students, which included two site leaders.
We traveled to New York City and worked with Youth Service Opportunities Project. They coordinated our service activities with different sites trhoughout the week, and our group participated in daily reflection on the day’s particular events. Our volunteering lasted from Monday to Thursday and after our service we were free to roam the city.
One day that stands out in my memory was Tuesday, Mar. 15, when-as an entire group-we traveled by subway from Manhattan to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. There was a clothing bank run by a husband-and-wife team and volunteers mandated by the state.
We were assigned to help sort clothes that would be picked up by certain charities based on their need. This allowed our group to realize that food and shelter aren’t the only items given to the needy and homeless.
New York is working hard for the advancement of the poor and homeless. Those who volunteered at this site showed pure dedication to their commitment and were enthused to share their stories and reasons for involvement in the clothing bank.
After a long day of service, we went back to YSOP’s headquarters to cook dinner together for a group of homeless people and talk with them about some of their situations.
Overall, I am glad I decided to choose the alternative way of spending my break. I realized that in life we take what we have for granted. We should learn to appreciate the material things and utilize the love and spiritual gifts we’ve been given.
Because to whom much is given, much is required- meaning that one who has should give back to those in need. It is only an act of love and generosity, which in the end is true self-fulfillment.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Bellamy
Alternative Spring Break ’05