George Tan
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Thirty-five Jackson State University students spent their “Alternative Spring Break” (ASB) in service to communities in Hattiesburg, Miss. from March 10-15, 2013.
While many students enjoyed their break at sandy beaches with hot sunshine or visited family and friends, this group of students lent a hand with recovery efforts related to the devastating Feb. 10 tornado that ripped through Hattiesburg.
JSU students worked with different organizations, including Volunteer Hattiesburg, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Along with Ebenezer Church, the students helped clean up the neighborhood on East Eighth Street. Other relief efforts included cleaning and moving debris, painting, sorting damaged items and transporting usable items to storage units.
“I didn’t expect so much damage the tornado has brought to this community. It is really saddening to see them living in such conditions,” said Shontrice Garrett, a sophomore mathematics education major from East St. Louis, Ill.
She added, “But I am glad I made the right choice to come help them to rebuild the community. This is the most meaningful spring break I had.”
ShuYing Wei, a junior English education major from China, said she enjoyed the experience.
“I especially liked the reflection part of the program where I can truly see a clearer picture of why am I doing community service,” said Wei. “Besides doing community service, I enjoyed making new friends and learning more about African-American culture. This will be one of the best JSU memories I can bring back with me to China.”
This is the third trip for Calandra Jones, a junior biology/pre-med major from Louisana who stated that she loved the trip because of the diversity of the students.
“The group not only consisted of students from different states, but also international students from other countries such as Malaysia and China,” said Jones. “I enjoyed working with people from different backgrounds knowing that nothing separates us; we are united for one reason, to serve and to give back to the community. That makes me feel really good.”
Shahamin Nunes, a senior political science major from New York said, “This ASB trip allowed us to step out of our box, out of our comfort zone, and we can see how what we do can make a difference to others.”
Alternative Spring Break is an annual program organized by the JSU Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning that places college students to communities in need to engage in community service and experiential learning. In previous trips, students have volunteered at homeless shelters, helped to build houses, assisted at food banks and participated in other activities on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Chicago, Ill., Washington D.C., China and other locations.
