Alexis Anderson
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Thirty-two Jackson State University students will be spending their spring break in service to communities in Washington, D.C. from March 9-17, 2012.
“The Alternative Break experience teaches students about themselves. Before, most have an idea of what they want to do with their careers, but some are unclear what to do in their careers, what impact they want to make with their lives, once their education is completed,” said Valerie Shelby, Director of the Center for Service and Community-Engaged Learning.
She added: “Our program is unique in that it enables students to see the social challenges that are shared by every community throughout the world. They learn how everyone is connected and that regardless of where they put down roots in a city, we should all be involved in making the world a better place through service to our fellow man.”
The students will volunteer at several agencies, including a women’s center, community center, food bank, nursing home and ministry center.
“Some of the services the students will render at various locations include preparing and serving breakfast and lunch, painting and other social activites at the sites,” said Regina Clay, CSCEL office manager.
She added: “I urge all students to participate in future Alternative Break trips and community service projects throughout the year. Not only will they gain required community service hours but they will also gain sense of pride in helping others.”
Harvey Moore, a senior finance major from Honolulu, Hawaii said, “I chose to participate in Alternative Spring Break activities because you get to help others less fortunate than yourself in a lot of African-American communities and the trip also exposes students to how different HBCU’s function ,like Howard University.”
Participating students paid a fee of $400 to cover the cost of room, train fare, transportation to the sites and some meals. CSCEL supplements the student fee through its budget.
