ASB participants ‘go forth to serve’ in philanthropic leadership opportunity
Spring break is typically a time for some to relax, unwind and take themselves away from the stress of schoolwork for a week.
A group of Keene State College students, however, have chosen to give up their relaxation and lend a hand to communities that are less fortunate than their own.
Alternative Spring Break, which is an option for all KSC students over the week-long school vacation in March, has opened eyes and allowed those interested to gain the perspective they might not have gotten otherwise if they had not done this program.
Katie Wynot, KSC junior and leader of the Cincinnati, Ohio trip this year, is grateful that she joined the program.
“Giving back and donating your own time with other communities outside of our own and, in the end, seeing the impact, is definitely the most fulfilling aspect on an Alternative Spring Break,” Wynot said.
She continued, “We wish to be the change we want to see in the world, right? Even if it’s picking up sticks in a state park or passing out a bowl of soup at a shelter, those small gestures are so satisfying. This creates a ripple effect for kindness and change.
Without this program, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” Wynot said.
Alternative Spring Break [ASB] is a program that urges students to participate in community service in places around the United States, while developing strong leadership skills and a bond between groups.
Junior Daniel Jean, who is going on his second ASB trip this year, was very pleased with his experience in helping the homeless in Mississippi last year.
Cassidy Hunkins / Equinox Staff
“It was such an eye-opening experience,” Jean said, “We got to spend two nights sleeping outside.”
Jean continued, “You really don’t know how good you have it until you’re putting yourself in a less-fortunate person’s shoes.”
Alternative Spring Break is generally a seven to nine day service-based trip that provides insight into different cultural, environmental and socioeconomic communities throughout the United States, according to the KSC Domestic ASB website.
Kathleen Kanaley, junior and co-leader of the Newport, North Carolina trip, stressed how important this program is.
“College is a part of your life that you spend a lot of time doing things for yourself. With ASB, you have that extra time to give back. It’s a really great thing to do for the community,” Kanaley said.
She continued, “You know, part of Keene State’s motto is ‘go forth to serve.’ This is definitely a great example of KSC doing that and going out there and helping other people.”
Kanaley’s trip co-leader, junior Olivia Lynn, talked of her ASB experience.
“The first time I went, it was such a rewarding experience. I think it’s really great because you get so close to your group,” Lynn said, adding, “When you’re on an eight-hour-or-so trip with people, you’re forced to bond with them.
Lynn continued, “I also had not really traveled much, so this was a great way to explore the country while still doing community service work and helping other people.”
This year, there are six ASB trips that KSC students are taking part in over the March break.
Each group travels to a different part of the country including New York City, New Orleans, Tennessee, North Carolina and two locations in Ohio.
Sophomore Matt Pereira, going on his second ASB trip this March, enjoyed the travel aspect.
“One thing that I want to stress is that it’s a lot of hard work, though. It’s not a vacation—we really do work. It’s so worth it in the end to see the changes we’ve made, but it is a lot of work,” he said.
The amount of work that is done over ASB is no match for the KSC students that are involved, though.
The ability to help another community is more rewarding than anything else, students say.
“It’s definitely a reality check,” Lynn said, adding, “We live a very comfortable life here at Keene State. It feels good to give back to others who don’t.”
Kanaley talked of how her passions have led her to the ASB trips. “This program lets me do things that I am truly passionate about and it’s nice to meet other people who have the same values and enjoy giving back,” Kanaley said.
Wynot added, “Alternative Spring Break provides leadership skills, gains friendships amongst diverse groups and allows travel experiences along the tools needed to build a greater future.”
“To people who are interested in these trips, I say go for it,” Jean said. Jean concluded, “It’s such a great experience and has allowed me to really grow as a person.”
Steph McCann can be contacted at smccann@keene-equinox.com
