As the first half of the spring semester commenced, many BW students packed up to revisit their hometowns. Some even began planning trips to Panama City Beach, a popular spring break destination among college students. However, four Baldwin Wallace University Alternative Break leaders  began preparing themselves and their group members for an empowering spring break filled with philanthropy, reflection, teamwork and fun.
The Alternative Break Program is an exciting service opportunity in which student leaders and staff organize a trip during one of BW’s breaks (fall, spring or summer). The adventures this spring involved leadership opportunities, direct engagement and important personal interaction among students for causes such as environmental justice, children and health, women’s empowerment and hurricane recovery.
This Spring Break, a total of 41 students and 5 staff members traveled to Miami and Kissimmee, Florida, as well as Biloxi, Mississippi. Senior Alternative Break Leader, Doanise Thompson, led a group of students to Miami, Florida for a trip focused around service relating to women’s empowerment, homelessness reduction and heart disease prevention. Students worked with various organizations including the Camillus House, Lotus House, Women’s Fund of Miami and the Women’s Breast and Heart Initiative. They assisted in raising about $400,000 to fund women’s organizations in Miami.
“The experience was worthwhile because we were able to learn more about holistic issues that women face, and the different ways nonprofits are empowering women in the Miami communities.” Thompson said.
Bridget Hughes, a junior at BW, led a group of students to Biloxi, a town in Mississippi directly affected by an onslaught of natural disasters and human disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. There, students aided in the reconstruction of homes destroyed by hurricanes while instilling hope in the locals whose lives were greatly impacted by these tragedies.
“I recommend Alternative Break because it is a chance to do something meaningful and to learn about important issues and yourself,” Hughes said.
Senior Alternative Break Leader, Michael Ricci, organized a wonderful volunteer opportunity in Kissimmee, Florida where students were involved in Give Kids the World. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to fulfill the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses by providing opportunities for memorable, cost-free trips to all the tourist attractions in Central Florida.
Ricci says he decided to plan this particular service experience because he is, “passionate about working with kids.”
Students served food to the children, monitored play areas, assisted with arts and crafts, interacted with the children and their families and even enjoyed a day at Disney World.
Kristina DeGirolamo, a junior, led what was considered a “Surprise Mystery Trip”. Students arrived in Roanoke, Virginia, and discovered that they would be participating in direct service on the Appalachian Trail. Students at this site assisted in maintaining the Catawba Mountain, home to one of the most photographed vistas, worked with the local Habitat for Humanity Restore, organized community donations and volunteered at the local Feeding for America facilities.
DeGirolamo says she enjoys how Alternative Breaks allow one to “truly engage and serve with a new community.”
Alternative Break trips are excellent opportunities for students to travel, meet new people and make a positive impact on the world.