Mark Braboy
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Jackson State University is gearing up for the Alternate Spring Break, which will take place March 10 -15.
Students will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss. in wake of the devastating tornado that tore through numerous homes and the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.
Eltease Moore, Community Service & Community Engaged Learning coordinator said that one of the goals behind ASB is for students to learn community responsibility.
“Students will learn the importance of giving back to the community. Basically, it’s just an opportunity to shed light on those issues that in our society and a way for students to just be aware of those things that we’re facing everyday and just an opportunity to give back,” said Moore.
During ASB, students have the opportunity to travel across the country and perform acts of community service by helping a community in need. In previous trips, students have volunteered at a homeless shelters, helped to build houses, assisted at food banks and participated in other activities. In the past, they have traveled to places such as China, New Orleans, La., Jacksonville, Fla., and Chicago, Ill.
The trip was originally scheduled for the Mississippi Gulf Coast but according to Moore, the tornado became such a pressing issue that it was decided that aiding in the cleanup of Hattiesburg will be a better way to give back to Mississippi.
Because students will be giving back in the state, the Division of Student Life has decided to make this year free and cover all of the expenses, unlike previous trips.
Daria Lawrence, a recent graduate of JSU with a degree in communicative disorders from Vicksburg, Miss. said that she had a wonderful experience on a previous Alternative Spring Break.
“I met people that I would never have met otherwise and got to know the people I did know, better. Because I come from a privileged home, I was unaware of just how blessed I was. Working with the homeless was an awesome experience and I’m glad I got to do it with Alternative Spring Break. Additionally, you get a great location at a great cost! Double win!”
The deadline for turning in applications has been extended to this Friday, Feb. 22 and the last orientation will take place on March 7 at 4 p.m.
For more information or applications, contact Eltease Moore at 601-979-1762.
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