Phillips Feature Story
- 1. Alternative Breaks Community By Jeremy Phillips NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Dec. 2 – Rutgers University Alternative Breaks has been a fulfilling journey that Rutgers students have cherished throughout their lives. “My experience on the Alternative Break Trips has been two of the best of my life,” said Rutgers Senior Molly Hampsey, who is majoring in music. “I have made truly amazing friendships with people who I would never have met otherwise.” Alternative Breaks has given numerous students the opportunity to grow and develop as people around the world. The programs helped students realize how important life and values are in society. “It made me realize just how different places within this country can be,” said Rutgers Junior Kelly Calamia, who is majoring in American Studies. “It’s important to learn, see other places and make a difference in this country.” Alternative Breaks was created in 2005 by Karen Ardizzone and Amy Johnson as part of Rutgers College Student Development and College Affairs. Once they implemented student site leaders it became a developmental program. The program was recognized as a student organization in 2009. The student organization was built on the basis to assemble change by supporting communities that lack support and resources to help themselves. Students that have gone on group trips have participated in wonderful programs working with Teach for America and Give Kids the World Village.
- 2. “In January 2009, we worked with Teach of America at a school in Phoenix, Ariz., I was given the opportunity to teach 4th grade in the mornings and music in the afternoon,” said Hampsey. “The kids in the school changed my life and I decided I wanted to teach in an inner city after that trip.” Calamia also assisted in teaching as well as other group projects. “In Mississippi, my group and I worked with Teach for America. We helped administer reading assessments in the high school,” said Calamia. “We volunteered at a community center. A few days later, we helped paint a local community member’s house.” The association provides undergraduate students the chance to participate in semester long trips across the country centered on community service. The organization’s goals are to learn and research issues that residents face in the local communities. Alternative Breaks collaborates with the local community partners to complete a service. The group’s programs are sponsored by Student Life and the Alternative Breaks. The executive board arranges service trips by fundraising money for the winter and spring breaks. Site leaders are important because they find places to travel that would help establish friendships between its members. “I plan five pre-trip meetings that would help the group get to know each other and learn as much as possible about the service we are doing,” said Hampsey. “As an executive board, we plan small community service events, fundraise, and make sure that Alternative Breaks is a known organization within Rutgers.” Newcomers admitted into the program appear excited about the opportunity to assist people in different areas of the United States as well as in foreign countries.
- 3. “I plan to put in a good days hard work, every day I am in New Orleans,” Rutgers Sophomore Patrick Sweeney said. “I want to make a difference in a stranger’s life and form bonds with people.” Caitlin Kelly has plans for future trips and she hopes to build friendships along the way. “I plan to travel to Camp Baker in Virginia,” said Rutgers Sophomore Kenny. “I hope to interact with campers and make personal connections.” Students interested in these programs must complete an Alternative Breaks application which can be found on getinvolved.rutgers.edu. Students can also speak with Ardizzone or visit the Student Activities Center on College Ave for details. However, not everyone is admitted into the program. Students that receive a will get an interview to see if they qualify. The interviews are normally an hour. Once the interview is over, students will receive an e-mail confirming their spot on the trip. Due to the popularity of these trips, students can only participate in one trip per year. Students attending these trips must pay a $100 deposit fee. The rest of the money must be paid at a date announced by the advisor. The group trips can cost roughly, $600 for airfare trips while driving may cost $350. Students are required to attend pre-trip meetings which are very important so everyone can bond with one another. The meetings are also vital to the location and missing one will terminate students from participating. The organization emphasizes safety during each trip and everyone is required to travel together.
- 4. Alternative Breaks gives students the opportunity to travel and network with people. The experience is one of a kind, students said. “I’ve met so many people through Alternative Breaks,” said Kenny. “I’ve gotten to know a lot of driven and motivational people.” Calamia has realized how important culture and social change are in the community. “I learned about culture and issues within the community. I also worked towards changing these problems,” said Calamia. “It was a truly life changing, eye opening and a rewarding experience.” Alternative Break has given many students opportunities and lifelong lessons that they will remember forever. Eva Billik wants to advocate for people and do her part in the community. “As a social worker, I hope to continue and go on to greater levels of contributing for social change,” Rutgers Junior Billik said. “Hopefully, I will have the chance to go on several future trips.