Alternative Break Program >> Daily News Record Article

Students Break To Serve: For Many, Spring Is Time To Give Of Themselves

Please note: This article was originally published in the Daily News Record on 3/3/2006 and was reproduced by JMU CS-L with permission from the Daily News Record.

By Heather Bowser

Spring break, at last.

For some college students, it’s time for the beach, beer and bikinis.

But not everyone.

No, this year, James Madison University junior Jillian Treacy will trade in her sandcastles and sunscreen for a serving spoon and sanitizing solution.

On Saturday, she’ll join 300 fellow JMU students who will swap their lazy-day vacation for a busy week of community service as part of the university’s alternative spring break program.

"As college students, it seems like we can’t really help people till we practically have a doctorate," said Treacy, 20, from Dighton, Mass. "But now, in only one week we can help people and feel like we have a purpose."

So off they go.

For seven days, 33 groups will volunteer at orphanages, soup kitchens and shelters across the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America.

"I couldn’t imagine not going," Treacy said. "I’m ecstatic."

Onward, spring break soldiers.

How It Works

Preparation for the annual trip begins in October, when students apply to be group leaders, said Lorelei Esbenshade, associate director for JMU Community Service Learning.

For the trip, two student co-leaders manage 10-person groups.

The leaders must first complete a 15-week first aid and group dynamics training program.

Then, leaders work with service agencies located within a one-day travel radius and plan the trip.

"Often, we go back to the same places year after year, because we want to make sure the agency is safe and reputable," Esbenshade said.

Next, JMU students from all types of majors enter a lottery system to choose from the available trips.

"Actually, that’s where some of the unique relationships are built," she said. "Students spend a week with kindred spirits who also have a passion for service who they might not have met otherwise."

Once selected, Esbenshade said it is the student’s responsibility to fund the trip.

Typically, trips within driving range cost about $220, while trips requiring airfare run about $1,200.

Group leaders then meet with their groups at least four times to teach them about their respective agencies, she explained.

Once at the project site, the students will lodge in churches, YMCA guest housing, local universities or youth hostels.

Elsewhere In The Area

Although JMU has the biggest spring break program in the area, Eastern Mennonite University and Bridgewater College officials say they offer similar projects as well.

EMU spokesman Jim Bishop said three separate 12-student groups will attend service-learning projects around the country while one group will participate in a project in the eastern European nation of Georgia.

"It’s a great opportunity to interact with new people and to experience a different way of life," EMU student Ariel Ressler said in a release.

Robbie Miller, the Habitat for Humanity adviser at Bridgewater College, said his 18-person group is the only organized spring break service group.

He said all BC students are required to perform at least 10 hours of service each year, so many will use the habitat trip to fulfill it.

‘I Wanted To Have More’

For Treacy, the trip’s highlight is the level of growth and change she experiences on her alternative spring breaks.

One year ago, Treacy said she went to New Orleans to work with "Project Lazarus" — a home for individuals with HIV and AIDS.

There, she befriended an older man named John.

"He was just so warm and open," she said. "The second we got there he started thanking us."

Treacy returned to JMU and the next day changed her major from art to social work.

"I was affected by the experience so much, I wanted to have more," she said.

Treacy said she and John remained close until they lost contact during Hurricane Katrina.

"I was devastated because I had such a close connection with him, the program and the city," she said.

So, last November she became a group leader and went on a service trip to Mississippi.

Saturday will be Treacy’s third service trip.

"I’m hooked," she says.

Treacy spent Thursday packing for this year’s trip.

Don’t worry.

She’s fine with leaving her black two-piece swimsuit at home.

Onward, spring break soldier.

Contact Heather Bowser at 574-6218 or hbowser@dnronline.com