Campus already gears up for annual alternative spring breaks

By Kerri Sheehan

Hood plans to sponsor the annual Alternative Spring Break Program again this year, providing opportunities for students to volunteer in local and out-of-state locations.

Catherine Brown, graduate assistant to the office of the dean of the chapel, said the program allows students to participate in various elements of service during fall, spring, and winter breaks.

“Students can get involved by contacting our office…by responding to posters around campus, or replying to the informational emails that are sent to all undergraduate students by Rev. Beth O’Malley,” Brown said.

Some of the trips available this year include a Frederick area “Staycation,” a trip to Earl’s place; an organization in Baltimore that provides housing for homeless men; a trip to North Carolina; and two trips affiliated with Habitat for Humanity that are traveling to New Jersey and Alabama.

A fairly new aspect of the program includes a service trip to Haiti, organized by the Provost’s Office.

Brown will participate in the Earl’s Place trip on Oct. 15.  “Participation in the Alternative Break programs is a reminder to the participants that all people, regardless of their situation, deserve respect,” she said.  “I believe that the common outlook among participants is that if you are in a position to offer help, then it is a privilege to do so.”

Melissa Johnson, a senior biochemistry major at Hood, has been participating in the service trips since her freshman year.  “I don’t have a job at home and I decided my freshman year I didn’t want to spend a week at home doing nothing,” Johnson said.  “I decided that I really like volunteering and found that I love the work that Habitat does.”

Johnson plans to attend the Habitat for Humanity trips to New Jersey and Alabama over both fall and spring Breaks.

“Hearing people’s stories of losing their homes during natural disasters leads me to have a better appreciation for the people and opportunities I have had in my life, along with gratitude for having a house over my head when I am not at school,” Johnson said.