Alternative Spring Breaks are often viewed merely as a way to get service hours, but for senior social work major Emily Allen, her Alternative Spring Break to Arabia Mountain was so much more. Through this experience, Emily connected with her peers, nature and the sublimeness of the environment. Welcome to Sun-drenched and Singular: Arabia Mountain, a collection that captures the surreal landscape of the mountain and the friendships she formed along the way.

Emily started taking photos when in ninth grade with her Canon EOS Rebel T5 — the camera she’s used ever since. Even the lens has remained the same for the past eight years. She explains that this camera has traveled across the world with her and is a core part of her photography journey.

Photography fascinates Emily because it’s the one creative hobby she enjoys for the process itself. As a creative writing minor, she often strives for perfection in the final product of her writing, but photography is different — she finds joy in the act of creating. Emily’s favorite part of photography is the editing, where she works to make her photos reflect the way the environment felt in person. She finds bringing out that essence to be deeply rewarding. While photography may not directly relate to her major, Emily sees clear parallels. Both photography and social work are rooted in capturing and telling stories.

During the trip, the group worked with park rangers to clear trails, remove invasive species and replant native plants. They also partnered with the BIPOC Outdoor Collective to renovate a local house, supporting the mission of creating welcoming outdoor spaces for people of color. Emily loves discovering what the world has to offer — no two places are exactly alike. She was grateful for the chance to explore beautiful spaces while also helping to preserve them and make them safer for others.

Emily originally brought her camera to document hikes and the environment, but she soon noticed the surreal essence of Arabia Mountain. As the trip came to a close, she began photographing her fellow volunteers, capturing the deep bonds that had formed. After a week of shared experiences, Emily found herself inspired to preserve those final, meaningful moments.

She hopes that by viewing her photos and hearing her story, others will consider participating in an Alternative Spring Break — or any service- or learning-focused opportunity during their time off. Having taken part in many of these trips, Emily has visited places she never imagined, met incredible people and engaged with nature in unique and meaningful ways. She encourages others to explore these experiences, which offer far more than most might expect.

View the full collection here