Volunteer on vacation
Alternative spring break provices students with service opportunities
Jessica Chou
Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: Trinity Life
The first question that pops into peoples' heads when they hear the words "alternative spring break" is: "What is it?"
"Alternative spring break is a movement that started with colleges where students are given the alternative of a spring break with a service component," said Edwin Blanton, coordinator for Community Service and Engagement.
A year ago, service on campus was handled in conjunction with Greek Life until the University decided that community service deserved its own division and professional staff member.
To help reach Trinity's goal of global citizenship, or a better understanding of the people and cultures around us, the community service element is a must. The Community Service and Engagement office is working with Residential Life to look into different domestic and international programs that would be both fun and suitable for Trinity students to carry out a service to various communities.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m., an information session was held at Witt 106 to get student feedback on where they would like to go on alternative spring break.
"We are looking into a broad spectrum of international programs [in places such as] Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, Romania, Dominica and the Dominican Republic," Blanton said.
When asked if Trinity would cover the trip, Blanton said, "Students are responsible for their own spring break. We realize that international travel is expensive, so we're going to do our best to make it as cost effective as possible."
For those students who wish to stay closer to home, the Community Service and Engagement office is also planning several domestic trips in conjunction with Campus Community Involvement; places such as Appalachia and New York City are being considered. A separate sophomore college alternative spring break is also in the works.
"Alternative spring break at Trinity has much potential, and probably every year, we'll be able to add another program, so that students will have many more choices year after year," Blanton said.
"Alternative spring break is a movement that started with colleges where students are given the alternative of a spring break with a service component," said Edwin Blanton, coordinator for Community Service and Engagement.
A year ago, service on campus was handled in conjunction with Greek Life until the University decided that community service deserved its own division and professional staff member.
To help reach Trinity's goal of global citizenship, or a better understanding of the people and cultures around us, the community service element is a must. The Community Service and Engagement office is working with Residential Life to look into different domestic and international programs that would be both fun and suitable for Trinity students to carry out a service to various communities.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m., an information session was held at Witt 106 to get student feedback on where they would like to go on alternative spring break.
"We are looking into a broad spectrum of international programs [in places such as] Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, Romania, Dominica and the Dominican Republic," Blanton said.
When asked if Trinity would cover the trip, Blanton said, "Students are responsible for their own spring break. We realize that international travel is expensive, so we're going to do our best to make it as cost effective as possible."
For those students who wish to stay closer to home, the Community Service and Engagement office is also planning several domestic trips in conjunction with Campus Community Involvement; places such as Appalachia and New York City are being considered. A separate sophomore college alternative spring break is also in the works.
"Alternative spring break at Trinity has much potential, and probably every year, we'll be able to add another program, so that students will have many more choices year after year," Blanton said.
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